Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) has provided the following update regarding Victorian harness racing in light of changes to Victoria’s COVID-19 restrictions.
Crowds at Harness Racing Meetings
From today (Friday, 25 June 2021), harness racing meetings in Victoria will proceed under the Government’s Restricted Activity Directions as outdoor events, meaning a maximum of 1000 people are permitted to attend (with no more than 300 per indoor space).
This means spectators (including owners, club member and the general public) are able to attend all Victorian harness racing meetings from today (Friday, 25 June 2021).
Spectators who wish to attend upcoming 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. Importantly, if you wish to dine at a venue indoors you will need to pre-book.
New South Wales Travel Restrictions
Red Zones
Industry participants and owners are strongly urged to comply with new measures introduced by the Victorian Government around people travelling into Victoria from New South Wales.
Visit the Government’s travel updates website for the latest information.
The following NSW Local Government Areas (LGAs) have been designated as a ‘red zone’ with effect from 1.00am (AET) on Friday, 25 June 2021:
Greater Sydney
Wollongong
Greater Sydney includes the LGAs of Bayside, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Burwood, Camden, Campbelltown, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Central Coast, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Gosford, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Hunter’s Hill, Inner West, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Liverpool, Mosman, North Sydney, Northern Beaches, Parramatta, Penrith, Randwick, Ryde, Strathfield, Shellharbour, Sutherland, City of Sydney, The Hills, Waverley, Willoughby, Wollondilly, Woollahra.
Any Victorian resident who has been in one of the red zones (other than for transit) must obtain a red zone permit to enter Victoria and will be required to quarantine at home for 14 days.
Any non-Victorian residents who have been in one of the red zones (other than for transit) are not permitted to enter Victoria.
Any licensed participants or owners who are required to undergo 14 days quarantine will need clearance from HRV stewards before being permitted to attend any racecourse or licensed premises at the conclusion of their quarantine period.
Any licensed participants who have been in or visited Greater Sydney or Wollongong since 11 June 2021 must alert HRV immediately by phoning (03) 9214 0664.
Any owner who has spent time in a NSW red zone from 11 June and subsequently attended a Victorian stable or racetrack prior to 25 June 2021 is required to notify the trainer or club immediately.
HRV reminds participants of the COVID-19 information page, which is updated regularly.
Stable Attendance
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.
- 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, 25 June 2021, temperature testing will no longer be conducted at Victorian harness racing meetings.
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