25 March – Notice to Tasmanian Racing Participants

Wednesday 25 March 2020

Harness

Nominations

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the Office of Racing Integrity will only be accepting nominations for Standardbred horses that were stabled in Tasmania as at 25 March 2020. This limitation will be in place until further notice.

Trials

Significant changes will be made to Harness Trials. From Wednesday 25 March 2020 the following will apply:

  1. Only qualifying trials will be held – ie. horses that have been stood down for a trial (behaviour or poor performance) or needing to qualify (unraced horses).
  2. Fields will not be formed using the national ratings. We will only have as many trials as needed and stewards will provide additional instructions to drivers.
  3. If you are outside the draw, you will only need to complete two races successfully to get back into the draw so no trials required.
  4. Harness Trials will only be held on race day. These will be managed on an ad hoc basis dependent on the number of horses requiring to be trialled.

Colours

Drivers will be permitted (and are recommended) to only wear one set of colours during a race meeting. The only alternative to this is if the trainer provides a fresh set of silks for each driver.

Greyhounds

Nominations

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the Office of Racing Integrity will only be accepting nominations for greyhounds that were kennelled in Tasmania as at 25 March 2020. This limitation will be in place until further notice.

Trials

Tasracing and ORI are reviewing the details of Trials and further information will be provided soon.

Thoroughbred

Nominations

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the Office of Racing Integrity will only be accepting nominations for thoroughbred horses that were stabled in Tasmania as at 25 March 2020. This limitation will be in place until further notice.

Trials

Significant changes will be made to Thoroughbred Trials and jumpouts. From Wednesday 25 March 2020 the following will apply:

  1. All jumpouts and trial days are suspended.
  2. Trials will only be conducted for horses either requiring a barrier certificate or under Stewards’ orders.
  3. Any trials that are required to be conducted will be conducted on race day. The preference is that trials will be held before race meetings, however this will be managed on an as required basis by ORI. The process is to be advised.
  4. Open gallops at Elwick are suspended.

Colours

Riders will be permitted (and are recommended) to only wear one set of colours during a race meeting. The only alternative to this is if the trainer provides a fresh set of silks for each rider.