As a result of State Government announcements on Sunday 22 November 2020, Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) advises changes to the current biosecurity protocols at all Victorian race meetings. These changes are effective immediately:

  • All person entering the racetrack (only licenced participants with a horse engaged can attend race and trial meetings) must carry a face mask; wear a face mask outdoors when you are not able to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5m between yourself and any other person, and always wear a face mask when indoors (including drivers’ rooms, stewards’ rooms and veterinary room), unless you have a government permitted exemption (i.e. medical condition).
  • You must put on your face mask at any time if requested to do so by a steward, official or representative from the hosting clubs (unless you have a government permitted exemption (i.e. medical condition).
  • Masks must be worn during the swabbing process and while endoscopic examinations are being undertaken at Tabcorp Park Melton.
  • Drivers are to limit the time spent in the drivers’ room and all enclosed and indoor areas as much as possible.
  • All persons are reminded to exercise appropriate physical distancing protocols and to maintain 1.5-metre distancing wherever possible.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Please note previous advice regarding tracks within the former metropolitan region (i.e. Melton and Cranbourne) is no longer current and those venues are now under the same protocols (as listed above) as all Victorian harness tracks.

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.

These measures have been put in place to ensure that harness racing complies with all bio-security requirements and must be adhered to ensure that harness racing in Victoria continues under the current State Government restrictions. 

Refer to HRV's COVID-19 information section for more information