Gates shut on GC races
GOLD Coast Turf Club’s race meeting on Saturday will be held without on-course punters because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Racing Queensland yesterday advised that all race meetings across the state would be conducted without patrons until further notice.
“We are experiencing a unique and complex situation which requires Racing Queensland to adopt a uniform approach,” Racing Queensland chief executive officer Brendan Parnell said last night.
The decision comes just days after the Gold Coast club conducted one of its biggest meetings of the year, the $1.6 million Jewel Race Day.
Racing Queensland has followed the Federal Government’s advice that all nonessential, organised gatherings of more than 500 people be cancelled to manage the spread of COVID-19.
Queensland race meetings – along with trials and trackwork – will be limited to key race-day personnel.
Access will be permitted to licensed participants who have a horse engaged at the meeting, along with essential club, Queensland Racing Integrity Commission and Racing Queensland staff.
Others allowed to attend a meeting include broadcast services, approved accredited media, and associated staff required to conduct racing activities including veterinarians and ambulance services.
Access will not be permitted to the general public in any code, nor owners or on-course wagering providers.
“The health and safety of our 40,000 participants, including those who are employed in the industry, remains our top-priority and we will continue to work with our clubs, QRIC and participants to navigate this period,” Parnell said.
“We are mindful of the carnivals we have on the horizon – and the impact that this decision may have on our clubs – but it is important that we restrict on-course access in the short-term to limit the potential spread of COVID-19 and the potential impact to our industry.”
Access will also not be permitted to any key race-day personnel in Queensland that:
■ Is suffering from COVID-19 symptoms or is unwell.
■ Has been to a country considered at higher risk of COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
■ Is subject to self-isolation requirements imposed by the Government. or
■ Has been in close contact with a person suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19.