Racing faces border issue
RACING will continue in Queensland as participants hasten to get clarification on what a decision to close the state’s borders means for horse and human movement.
The Queensland border will be shut after tomorrow, which causes problems for trainers on both sides. There were 16 Queensland trainers at yesterday’s Murwillumbah meeting, while eight Nsw-based trainers have nominated horses for Doomben on Saturday.
It is understood horses will be exempt from restrictions, but the problem will be for trainers and strappers who accompany them.
They could face 14 days in lockdown after returning from a cross-border trip as authorities seek to contain the coronavirus.
Racing Queensland yesterday was seeking clarification, with the Government set to announce full details of restrictions today.
Earlier RQ issued a statement advising meetings across the state would continue to be conducted under stringent health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last weekend, RQ initiated temperature testing for jockeys at Eagle Farm, which will continue tomorrow, before rolling it out across all other TAB clubs in Queensland.
Increased segregation has also been introduced, with additional spaces used by oncourse participants from standard race meetings.
“The Queensland racing industry is fully aware of the gravity of the situation and that people’s livelihoods are at stake,” RQ chief executive Brendan Parnell said.
“The Queensland racing industry sustains 11,570 full-time jobs and provides more than $850 million in salaries and wages, and we know that our stakeholders are desperate to continue their operations where appropriate.
“We will continue to comply with the directives of the Government and the respective health agencies in order to limit the spread of COVID-19.”
As Queensland’s industry grapples with the fallout from the border closure, Victorian officials admitted they are preparing for an almost-inevitable shutdown, with “scenario planning” to safeguard the financial future of about 3500 Victorian trainers, jockeys and stablehands.
A government green light to continue racing, amid a Victoria-wide shutdown of non-essential services, was backed by the Racing Victoria board yesterday, mindful of the estimated 25,000 people whose livelihoods depend on the industry.