COVID-19 Owner Update

We write to provide you with an update regarding Victorian thoroughbred racing in light of the changes to COVID restrictions announced by the State Government this week.

Raceday Attendance

Following further advice received from the State Government today, Racing Victoria (RV) wishes to confirm that race meetings will proceed without any spectators (including owners, members and the general public) in attendance until at least 11:59pm (AET) on Tuesday, 10 August 2021.

As such, only competing participants, essential persons and officials remain permitted to attend Victorian race meetings during this period.

RV and Victorian racing clubs remain in consultation with the State Government around the safe return of spectators to Victorian race meetings under the Public Events Framework beyond 10 August 2021, with the return of owners and members being the initial priority.

Stable Attendance

Having considered the Victorian Government’s updated COVID restrictions, including the prohibition on all visitors to homes, RV has also determined that the prohibition on owners and non-essential persons attending Victorian public and private training facilities, including for trackwork, trials and jump-outs, will remain in place until at least 11.59pm (AET) on Tuesday, 10 August 2021 – being the two-week period of the updated Government restrictions.

Conclusion

We again wish to thank you for your support of Victorian racing during what has been another challenging period for our State in this global pandemic.

RV’s priority remains to protect the health of industry staff, participants and the wider Victorian community; maintain 25,000 full-time equivalent jobs; and ensure daily care and exercise can be afforded to all thoroughbred racehorses.

Thank you in anticipation of your continued cooperation and we wish you the best of luck on the racetrack.

Yours sincerely,

Racing Victoria Owner Team