Stables to stay open, Sydney campaigns scrapped

In light of the government’s announcement to move the country into Covid-19 alert level 4 from midnight on Wednesday only essential services are permitted to operate.

Advice from the Ministry for Primary Industries confirms that training centres, training stables, agistment properties and stud farms where horses are in containment are businesses that may register as an essential service under animal welfare considerations.

Businesses with more than five people (including the owner) working at each business site, or who cannot achieve social distancing between staff, are required to register.

The businesses will need to answer 11 questions to provide assurance they have a plan and process to manage infection risks. Much of this will be covered in the New Zealand

Thoroughbred Racing protocols.

In addition to this NZTR, the NZ Trainers’ Association and the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association will be providing a template to assist with completing the paperwork.

MPI has requested that all businesses which need to register do so by 5pm today, Friday March 27. Businesses will be able to continue operating while going through the registration process.

Meanwhile, the government’s recent announcements regarding further travel restrictions and New Zealand border closures due to Covid19 have resulted in the suspension of all international equine flights until further notice.

The decision by airlines to cease the uplift of cabin occupants means that professional grooms are no longer able to safely accompany horses travelling overseas.

Among those hoping to travel across the Tasman to contest feature races in Sydney were quality fillies Jennifer Eccles and Two Illicit in addition to the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained True Enough, a weight-for-age Group 1 winner over 2000m.

The restrictions are currently in place for the four-week period that mirrors New Zealand’s lockdown.