Racing Victoria (RV) has issued the following update regarding Victorian thoroughbred racing in light of the announcement by the State Government that all of Victoria will enter a seven-day lockdown from 8pm (AET) yesterday evening, Thursday, 5 August 2021.
Raceday Attendance
RV wishes to confirm that race meetings will continue during the seven-day period with only competing participants, essential persons and officials permitted to attend.
As such all spectators (including owners, members and the general public), non-broadcast media and non-essential staff are prohibited from attending Victorian race meetings until at least Thursday, 12 August 2021.
Stable Attendance
RV wishes to advise that the prohibition on owners and non-essential persons attending Victorian public and private training facilities, including for trackwork, trials and jump-outs, remains in place until at least 11.59pm (AET) on Thursday, 12 August 2021.
Face Masks
In line with Victorian Government guidelines, participants are reminded that face masks are compulsory at all race meetings, training centres and licensed premises at all times.
Riders are permitted to remove their masks 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 regarding the move to lockdown restrictions to contain the recent COVID cluster.
“Throughout the pandemic Victorian racing’s clear objectives have been to protect the health and wellbeing of industry staff, participants and the wider community; maintain 25,000 full-time equivalent jobs across the state; and ensure essential daily care and exercise can be afforded to our horses.
“Racing and training can continue in Victoria at this time under the strict biosecurity protocols that saw our sport safely continue throughout previous periods of lockdown and restrictions.
“I also want to remind everyone within the Victorian racing industry of the critical need to abide by all Government directives in the days ahead 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.”