Trainers and drivers are reminded that only licensed participants (trainers, drivers, stablehands) with a horse engaged at the meeting and essential staff are currently allowed entry to Victorian harness racing meetings following Harness Racing Victoria’s (HRV) response to the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday.

This means no family members (including children) travelling with participants will be permitted entry to the meeting. Under the rules of racing, trials are considered race meetings, so the restrictions will apply to trials.

These measures are to protect the health and wellbeing of industry participants and staff, as well as fans, by minimising the risk of the COVID-19 virus being spread.

All licensed participants will be required to show their licence ID card at the gate. If you have misplaced your card you must organise a replacement as soon as possible by emailing HRV’s Jake Germanchis on JGermanchis@hrv.org.au.

Our president Lance Justice wrote this article on Monday: https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/participants-must-take-care-adhere-to-warnings-lance-justice/

I’d also take this opportunity to remind participants that HRV must continue to provide our people earning opportunities. Sometimes, this will mean that if there are sufficient numbers of people wanting to race, an extra race will go ahead. The racing programming team at HRV are working hard to provide the opportunity for participants to earn a living while at the same time minimising the time required for participants to spend at a race meeting. This is a tough balance and it’s important we try and keep ourselves safe. We’ll continue consulting with HRV on ways to help achieve an outcome that suits all.

Participants wishing to speak with the VTDA are encouraged to contact me on 0407 519 067.