Air quality is being monitored daily prior to scheduled Victorian harness racing meetings due to the state’s current bushfire crisis.
Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) General Manager of Integrity Brent Fisher confirmed air quality checks were being conducted and added that wherever possible two veterinarians were currently present at race meetings to monitor the welfare of horses.
“Additional measures are in place and we will continue to listen to the advice of our veterinarians to ensure all decisions are informed and in the best interest of our human and equine participants,” Fisher said.
HRV recently cancelled a scheduled Echuca race meeting due to a Code Red fire day, while other meetings have been rescheduled due to predicted extreme heat.
Fisher encouraged trots participants to familiarise themselves with this notice issued by VicEmergency and said HRV would communicate any schedule changes as early as possible.
“We’ll use the text message alert system to inform participants of any significant changes to the schedule. We’ll also advise via social media and our website,” Fisher said.
Media enquiries to cwinnell@hrv.org.au or 03 8378 0288
