Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) issues the following statement in relation to the ongoing COVID-19 situation in Victoria.

Race meetings

Scheduled meetings at Yarra Valley and Mildura tomorrow will proceed under the current strict biosecurity protocols, which are in place to protect the health and wellbeing of industry participants, staff and the communities in which we race.

Due to the ongoing investigation by the Department of Health (DH) and HRV following Tabcorp Park Melton being listed as a Tier 2 exposure site between 2.23pm and 5.30pm on Monday, August 2, the following applies to those who attended the venue:

As previously advised, if you were at Tabcorp Park Melton during the times listed you are directed to be tested for COVID-19.

  • Any participant identified by DH as a Tier 2 contact of a person with COVID-19 will not be permitted to compete until notifying HRV of a negative COVID-19 test result using the HRV COVID-19 reporting form. The form must be completed both at the time of having the test and when the test result is received
     
  • Any participant identified by DH as a Tier 1 contact of a person with COVID-19 will not be able to compete. All Tier 1 contacts must isolate immediately and get tested, complete the HRV COVID-19 reporting form at the time of testing and upon receiving a test result, and quarantine for 14 days (from August 2)
     
  • Any participant who attended the venue but has not had contact from the Department of Health will not be permitted to compete until notifying HRV of a negative COVID-19 rest result using the HRV COVID-19 reporting form. The form must be completed both at the time of having the test and when the test result is received

 

Racetrack Access and Operational Procedures

All persons entering racetracks must now check in using the both the individual club QR Code and the HRV QR Code.

This important information will assist HRV in the event of contact-tracing being required and will reduce the chance of meetings being cancelled in the future.

A trainer must have only one stablehand present at a meeting or trial. The only exception will be where a Trainer has three or more horses engaged in a race meeting or trial in which case a maximum number of only two stablehands may attend in company with that trainer.  Permission can be obtained by stewards for an additional stablehand, however that is dependent on the number of horses engaged at that race meeting.

 

Cross-border residents from New South Wales and South Australia

Cross-border participants must complete the Cross Border Declaration Form each time they nominate a horse to compete in a Victorian race or trial.

 

When travelling

Participants are reminded when on the road to carry their HRV license card and details about the race or trial meeting being attended, in the event they are stopped or questioned by authorities.

Participants should also avoid where possible making unnecessary stops on the way to and from the races. Measures such as packing enough food for the day and ensuring you have refuelled prior to leaving your local area are encouraged. Unnecessary travel between ‘metro’ and ‘regional’ areas must be avoided.

 

Exposure sites

Participants are urged to regularly check the list of public exposure sites and follow all directions if they have attended one of those sites.  

 

Attendance

Victorian harness racing meetings and trial meetings can only be attended by essential personnel until further notice. Essential personnel include licensed industry participants with an engagement at that meeting and required staff for that meeting to proceed.

Any person who is feeling unwell or has attended a COVID-19 exposure site (click here for an updated list at the Department of Health website) or suspects that a close contact has done so is not permitted to attend a Victorian harness racing venue or licensed premises until they have fulfilled the government requirements for testing and isolation and submitted a HRV COVID-19 reporting form.

Any licensed participant who falls into this category should report the matter via this form or contact HRV on (03) 8378 0200. This form is vital and failure to report instances of contact may put participants in breach of Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR 238).

 

Face Masks

Until further notice, all persons attending a Victorian race meeting, racetrack or licensed premises must wear a properly fitted face mask at all times. Only those with a government permitted exemption (i.e., a medical condition) will be permitted to not wear a mask.

Masks are not required to be worn by drivers competing during a race.

 

Temperature testing

Temperature testing has resumed at all Victorian harness racing meetings.

 

At the races

Drivers are asked to limit the time spent in drivers’ room and all enclosed and indoor areas of the racetrack.

All harness racing attendees are required to exercise appropriate physical distancing – that means a 1.5-metre distance should be maintained between persons wherever possible.

All participants are asked to leave the race meeting as soon as they have fulfilled their obligations in accordance with the Australian Harness Racing Rules (i.e., after completion of swabbing procedures, attendance before stewards etc.)

Participants are encouraged to pre-pack enough food and supplies for the duration of their engagement at race meetings as there is no guarantee food will be available at venues.

For a full list of COVID-19 protocols, click here. Industry is reminded that non-compliance may be subject to action by HRV stewards. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in significant penalties being imposed, including periods of disqualification, under AHRR 238 which states: “A person shall not fail to comply with any order, direction or requirement of the Controlling Body or the Stewards relating to harness racing or to the harness racing industry”