Racing Victoria (RV) has provided the following update regarding Victorian thoroughbred racing in light of the announcement by the State Government today that the current lockdown across metropolitan Melbourne will be extended until 2 September 2021.
Curfew
The State Government has strengthened current restrictions by imposing a 9pm to 5am curfew starting from 11:59pm tonight (Monday, 16 August), which will run for the duration of the extended lockdown period until 11:59pm on 2 September 2021.
Permits will be required to leave the house for authorised work, consistent with the arrangements that were in place last year.
Authorised workers will be required to carry permits when working, and when travelling for work from 11:59pm on Tuesday, 17 August 2021.
The permits need to be certified by an employer. The permits will be available on the coronavirus website - https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au
Attendance
RV wishes to advise that Victorian thoroughbred racing will continue to be spectator-free while metropolitan Melbourne remains in lockdown.
As such, only competing participants, essential persons and officials remain permitted to attend Victorian race meetings until at least 11:59pm on Thursday, 2 September 2021.
This decision has been taken in consultation with Country Racing Victoria to ensure thoroughbred racing is able to continue safely.
RV and Victorian racing clubs remain in consultation with the State Government around the safe return of spectators to Victorian race meetings beyond 2 September 2021, with the return of owners and members being the initial priority.
RV also wishes to confirm that the prohibition on owners and non-essential persons attending Victorian public and private training facilities, including for trackwork, trials and jump-outs, will also remain in place until otherwise advised.
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.
Exposure Sites
It’s important to continue checking the Victorian COVID exposure site list, with a number of new exposure sites in new areas of metropolitan Melbourne. If a participant has been to an exposure site, they are urged to isolate and call RV Stewards as soon as possible.
The COVID exposure site list can be found at: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites
Vaccination
Everyone is encouraged where possible to book their vaccination appointment by visiting https://portal.cvms.vic.gov.au or by calling the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.