Providing certainty for Tasmania’s racing industry

Tuesday 2 June 2020

Jane Howlett, Minister for Racing

The Tasmanian Government has been working closely and constructively with all three codes of the State’s Racing sector to ensure a safe pathway back to racing.

We were delighted to confirm today that racing can recommence in Tasmania from 13 June and we know this will be welcomed by industry participants who can now plan ahead with confidence and certainty.

Racing participants across all three codes have been eager to hit the track since the resumption of trials on 18 May and a solid program of race meets has been scheduled by Tasracing to commence on Sunday, 14.

I thank the thousands of racing industry participants for their patience and constructive input into the detailed Return to Racing plan which has been developed by Tasracing in consultation with industry leaders.

The Plan contains a comprehensive set of controls for the resumption of each code, including strict limitations on the number of officials, trainers and handlers in each section of the track.

I am buoyed by the strong numbers of animals that have participated in 2 trial meetings so far across the State with participants co-operating with all the necessary safety guidelines put in place.

I will continue to work actively and constructively with all three racing codes as racing recommences.