Racing Victoria (RV) has issued the following update regarding Victorian thoroughbred racing in light of today’s announcement by the State Government that the current lockdown restrictions will continue in Victoria until at least 11.59pm on Tuesday, 27 July.
Please note that the following industry biosecurity protocols will remain in place across Victoria for at least the next seven days:
- Race meetings will proceed with only competing participants, essential persons and officials permitted to attend;
- All spectators (including owners, members and the general public), non-broadcast media and non-essential staff are prohibited from attending Victorian race meetings;
- All owners, media and non-essential persons are prohibited from attending Victorian public and private training facilities and licensed racing premises at any time; and
- Face masks are compulsory at all Victorian race meetings, training centres and licensed premises, at all times. Riders are permitted to remove their mask only when on horseback and when they have exited the mounting yard on raceday.
RV Chief Executive, Giles Thompson said, “We note the announcements by the Victorian Government today regarding the move to continue lockdown restrictions which means that only essential persons will be permitted at tracks in Victoria for a least the next seven days.
“As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to make decisions to protect the health and wellbeing of industry staff and participants; to maintain 25,000 full-time equivalent jobs across the state; and to ensure essential daily care and exercise can be afforded to our horses.”
“I would like to remind everyone within the Victorian racing industry of the critical need to abide by all Government directives and to regularly monitor the Government’s website for updates to the exposure site locations.
“In particular, if any participants or essential staff have attended an exposure site or are displaying any COVID symptoms, they must get tested, isolate and contact us immediately.”