No spectators for race meets

OWING to the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic spectators have been banned from attending any race meeting in Tasmania until further notice.

Tasracing has been monitoring the situation and consulting with all relevant authorities to ensure it has the most appropriate responses in place, with the spectator ban put in place following a meeting with all clubs across the three codes late yesterday afternoon

Victoria and New South Wales have imposed a spectator ban on any sporting or entertainment event that is likely to attract 500 or more spectators.

Tasracing CEO Paul Eriksson said that while total attendance at many Tasmanian race meetings across all three codes were likely to be less than 500, Tasracing has determined that a blanket approach was the best option.

“Accordingly, all Tasmanian race meetings across all three codes, barrier trials and trackwork (including access to licensed training stables) in Tasmania will not be open to spectators or owners,” Eriksson said.

“This is to fall in line with other jurisdictions, so all future race meetings of all codes will be free of spectators until further notice.”

Eriksson says the governing body’s aim is to protect Tasmania’s racing industry and the wider community. “We are taking an approach to minimise the possible spread of the virus, while taking every possible action to ensure racing can continue safely.

“We are in constant discussion with the Office of Racing Integrity to ensure the industry takes all appropriate precautions in relation to participant and race-day staff health, including stewards.

“Tasracing will endeavour to keep all industry participants updated as soon as any further development occurs.

“Our message is that Tasmanian racing is currently continuing across all three codes via Sky and Tasracing TV live-streaming.”