Following the State Government’s announcement yesterday that COVID-19 restrictions will further ease from 11.59pm (AEDT) today, Thursday, 17 June 2021, Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) has provided the following update.
Greater Melbourne
The State Government has announced an easing of restrictions in Greater Melbourne from Friday, 18 June 2021. In line with other racing codes, namely Racing Victoria (RV) and Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV), HRV has determined that racing will continue without spectators at racetracks within Greater Melbourne until at least next Thursday, 24 June 2021, and when greater crowd limits are approved.
Race meetings at Tabcorp Park Melton (June 19) and Cranbourne (June 20) will proceed with only essential personnel, including licensed participants with a horse engaged or race day staff. All spectators (including owners and the general public) are not permitted to attend these race meetings.
HRV will continue to liaise with the State Government and health advisors in coming days and provide an update as soon as practicable on attendance at harness racing venues within Greater Melbourne.
Regional Victoria
The State Government has announced a further easing of restrictions in Regional Victoria from Friday, 18 June 2021. HRV understands the entertainment and leisure provisions within the directions will allow for a maximum of 1000 people (with no more than 300 per indoor space) to attend country harness racing meetings.
Spectators (including owners, club members and the general public) who wish to attend upcoming country harness racing meetings should consult clubs directly (club contact information can be found here) to determine opportunities for attendance and what requirements, including pre-registration, are in place for that event.
Stable Attendance
From Friday, 18 June 2021, owners, media, and non-essential persons are permitted to attend public and private training facilities and licensed racing premises throughout Victoria, subject to any provisions imposed by individual clubs or training stables in managing their COVIDSafe plans.
Face Masks
In line with updated Government guidelines, the following rules apply regarding face masks at harness racing meetings and licensed premises across Victoria from Friday, 18 June 2021
- Face mask must be carried at all times
- A properly fitted face mask must be worn indoors, except if at home, or if an exception applies
- A properly fitted face mask must be worn outdoors where 1.5 metres physical distancing cannot be maintained
- A properly fitted face mask must be worn upon request from HRV stewards
Temperature Testing
From Friday, 18 June 2021, temperature testing will no longer be conducted at regional Victorian harness racing meetings. Temperature testing will continue at meetings conducted within Greater Melbourne.
QR Code
QR Code has been implemented for use at all racetracks and trial venues, and all licensed participants and essential staff must use this code. This gives Government contact tracers immediate data should it be required for contact tracing purposes.
At the races
Drivers are to limit the time spent in the drivers’ room and all enclosed and indoor areas as much as possible.
All are reminded to exercise appropriate physical distancing protocols and to adhere to the above-mentioned mask rules.
Trainers, drivers and stablehands are to leave the race meeting as soon as possible upon fulfilling their obligations in accordance with the Australian Harness Racing Rules (i.e., after completion of swabbing procedures, attendance before stewards etc).
Participants should pre-pack enough food and supplies for the duration of their engagement at race meetings
There are no restrictions in existence regarding the number of stablehands permitted to attend accompanied licensed trainers at racetracks.
All other industry protocols remain in effect and any non-compliance may be subject to action by the HRV Stewards
All persons are advised that should they fail to comply with these requirements, significant penalties including periods of disqualification, may be imposed under AHRR 238
AHRR 238 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