Racing Victoria: COVID-19 Restrictions Ease Surrounding Racing

Fri 13th November 2020

Racing Victoria (RV) announced on Friday afternoon that due to the significant drop in cases in Victoria, there would be a relaxation of the COVID-19 biosecurity measures surrounding racing.

The restrictions are set to be eased in the coming days, and may be revisited if there is a further outbreak in the future.

Among the restrictions to be lifted on Sunday, 15 November 2020 are:

  • “the separation requirement of jockeys into the Green and Gold Teams will be removed subject to maintaining appropriate distancing and room quotients within jockey facilities; and
  • the daily limit on the number of venues at which jockeys and track riders may ride will be removed subject to compliance with COVID-19 biosecurity protocols.
  • the rule of a maximum of one stable staff member per horse in attendance at each meeting will be removed. Whilst the cap has been removed, trainers are asked to only bring those licensed or registered persons with a genuine role to perform at the race meeting. All stable staff will be required to continue to comply with social distancing requirements; and
  • one representative from each stable will now be permitted in the mounting yard to leg up a jockey, provided that they leave the mounting yard immediately thereafter and continue to comply with RV’s COVID-19 protocols.

There will also be the resumption of official trials on a restricted basis on November 23rd, with a new trials schedule to be released by RV in two weeks’ time.

RV Chief Executive, Giles Thompson, is pleased with the easing of the biosecurity protocols, and the efforts of the racing industry throughout the year.

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RV Chief Executive, Giles Thompson

“It’s pleasing that we have reached a position where we can start to ease some of our biosecurity protocols and in doing so I would like to recognise all the hard work of everyone across the industry that has allowed for the continuation of Victorian racing right throughout the pandemic.

“While it is terrific that we can ease some protocols, I want to implore everyone to avoid complacency. If you or someone you live with are unwell, please stay home, let us know and get yourself tested. In addition, you must continue to wear face masks as required and ensure that you maintain appropriate social distancing.”

From Muswellbrook to the Melbourne Cup, Will is mad about all things racing and sport. Spent countless hours in the backyard as a child pretending to be Glenn McGrath, and has been known to get deadly late swing with a taped tennis ball.