Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) will seek to provide an updated position on owner attendance at race meetings on Monday November 2.
Since March, only essential staff and licenced personnel with a horse engaged have been able to attend Victorian harness racing meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Victorian harness racing has continued to operate under strict biosecurity protocols, which can be viewed online here.
Should HRV be able to adjust attendance restrictions, allowing owners with a horse competing at a meeting to be present in some capacity would be the priority.
HRV is continuing to work closely with the Victorian Harness Racing Club (VHRC) on ownership matters.
HRV CEO Dayle Brown said:
“A focus for HRV has been finding a way for owners to safely return to the races while protecting the health and wellbeing of industry participants, staff and Victorian communities. We are working towards Monday November 2 to provide an update about how a safe return to the races for owners may look. We continue working closely with the VHRC and we certainly appreciate owners’ understanding and patience during what has been a difficult year. It is important we continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation daily and follow all Government biosecurity and medical advice.”
VHRC General Manager Rob Auber said:
“A priority for the VHRC has been to get owners back to the racetrack to enjoy their involvement and passion for harness racing. HRV have been outstanding by working very closely with the VHRC and collaborating with the State Government to maintain the upmost safety and wellbeing of all our participants. The VHRC are fully supportive of the current measures and we are very hopeful that it won’t be long before owners can return to the racetrack.”
