Racing trials for all three codes will be permitted at the Devonport Showgrounds (harness and greyhounds) and Spreyton (thoroughbreds) from 30 May.
Trials had previously only been approved for Elwick, Mowbray and Longford with north-west coast participants having to travel to and from the venue on the same day to participate.
Under the changes announced today following discussions between the Tasmanian Government and Public Health, north-west coast participants will now be able to trial their animals closer to home from 30 May leading up to the recommencement of race meetings on 13 June.
Also, racing at north-west coast venues will be permitted in line with the Tasmanian industry’s re-start of race meetings on 13 June, subject to a review and assessment of the Tasmanian COVID-19 situation by Public Health.
Tasracing CEO Paul Eriksson said the resumption of trialling and racing on the north-west was a big win for industry participants in the region.
“These participants had previously expected to compete in either Launceston or Hobart due to the previously high COVID-19 infection rate on the north-west coast,” he said.
“The ability to host thoroughbred meetings on the artificial surface at Spreyton will be important as the Mowbray grass track is usually closed to gallop meetings during the colder mid-winter months.”