Thank you to owners for their support, cooperation and understanding

Victoria is blessed to have such a diverse and vibrant group of owners with over 75,000 people actively enjoying the thrill of racehorse ownership in our state.

Racehorse ownership serves as a wonderful pastime and a great opportunity to share a unique and rewarding experience with family, friends, work colleagues and often strangers.

We know that the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and associated economic crisis has dramatically changed everyone’s way of life and that has affected the way owners can enjoy their racing experience.

We trust that all owners understand the need for the strict biosecurity protocols that have now been in place across Victoria since 13 March to allow for the safe continuation of racing and training.

We equally appreciate the support of owners on the need for the prizemoney reductions announced last week to help compensate for the short to medium term reduction in industry revenues and ensure that the industry is best placed to deal with any shutdown and the associated rebuild if so.

Throughout this challenge, our objectives at Racing Victoria have been to protect the health and wellbeing of industry staff, participants and the wider community; to support the 25,000 full-time equivalent jobs that our industry underpins; and to ensure that all horses receive ongoing care and attention.

We’re acutely aware that all horses require daily and appropriate hands-on management whether we are racing or not and we equally know that they thrive upon exercise and the daily routine they are afforded in their training environments.

I want to again thank all owners for their support and cooperation in adhering to our biosecurity protocols, which are over and above all the current directives, guidelines and advice established by the Victorian Government on the advice of the Chief Health Officer.

Whilst the decision to race remains in our hands, I can assure all owners that everyone from administrators to participants are working their absolute hardest to ensure that we can safely continue to race for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Since 13 March, we’ve run 253 races here in Victoria and in the process have given a huge range of owners cause to celebrate in an otherwise challenging time.

Thanks to the teams at Racing.com, Channel 7, SKY Racing and RSN, all owners have still been able to watch and listen to their horse race which has been vitally important during this unprecedented time.

It’s equally pleasing to report on the work being done by the teams at Best Bets and Winning Post to provide an opportunity for owners and punters to access their weekly publications without leaving the house. Click to read more.

As an industry we are thankful each day for the opportunity to safely continue racing to protect the livelihoods of all those people who depend on it.

We are equally appreciative of our racehorse owners who help underpin the many jobs that fuel the Victorian racing industry, whilst ensuring that their horse receives the best care and attention.

To all owners, thank you for your continued support of Victorian racing.

Giles Thompson
Chief Executive
Racing Victoria