All Tasmanian race meetings, barrier trials and trackwork (including access to licensed training stables) in Tasmania across all three codes will not be open to the public (including owners) effective immediately and until further notice.
While total attendance at many Tasmanian race meetings, barrier trials and track work is likely to be less than 500, Tasracing has determined that a blanket approach should be taken by Tasracing, the Office of Racing Integrity (ORI) and the host clubs.
The Tasmanian racing industry has a responsibility to support the actions taken to minimise the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the wider community.
The decision was taken following a discussion with all Clubs across the three codes today.
Attendance will only be provided to essential personnel, which on race day is restricted to the following:
- Tasmanian Office of Racing Integrity Stewards
- Veterinarians
- Trainers, Jockeys, drivers, stablehands, licensed greyhound participants with a runner at the race meeting
- Greyhound attendants and catchers
- Barrier attendants, starters and essential track staff
- Clerks of the course
- Judges and sectional timing teams
- Weighing room staff and jockeys attendants
- Race day event staff and security including horse stalls, mounting yards and float car park
- Club Doctor and ambulance services
- Farriers and other essential service providers approved by Tasracing and host race clubs
- Broadcast services including race caller and limited media presenters
- Restricted racing media as approved by Tasracing and the race club
- Restricted operational race club staff and management
No on-course wagering facilities will be available and essential personnel will be required to leave the racecourse after their horses or greyhounds have run.
Access will not be permitted to any essential personnel that:
- Are suffering from coronavirus symptoms or is otherwise unwell.
- Have been to a country considered at higher risk of COVID-19 in the past 14 days, currently mainland China, Iran, Italy and South Korea.
- Are subject to self-isolation requirements imposed by the Government.
- Have been in close contact with a person suspected or confirmed to have coronavirus.
Further, if any essential personnel are in a high-risk group such as older people or people with underlying illnesses that make them more vulnerable to respiratory disease, including those with diabetes, chronic lung disease, kidney failure and people with suppressed immune systems, that person should not attend race meetings, barrier trials or trackwork (including accessing licensed training stables).
Enhanced hygiene measures will also be implemented throughout Tasmanian racecourses.
These restrictions will be reviewed on an ongoing basis in consultation with ORI, the Clubs and other Industry bodies.
Tasracing will continue to keep all industry participants advised of any developments.