- All South Australian thoroughbred racing activities are limited to essential racing personnel only with no spectators
- No patrons on course for any race meetings, trials, trackwork and jump outs
- Temperature testing for all essential workers reinstated
All South Australian thoroughbred racing activities are to be no-spectator events for the next two weeks following from Monday’s State Government announcement. Thoroughbred Racing South Australia (TRSA) has again limited attendance to essential racing personnel only.
The decision affects all race meetings, barrier trials, trackwork and jump outs and comes into force with immediate effect. This will include the race meeting conducted at Strathalbyn on Wednesday 18 November. A list of approved essential racing personnel is included at the end of this release.
CEO Nick Redin said following consultation with all clubs impacted, TRSA was providing ongoing guidance and support to each of the State’s 25 racing clubs and their associated racing communities.
“Taking note from the State Governments advice today, as the industry body our primary concern is to protect the 3,000-plus jobs thoroughbred racing provides across the State and these are the actions we feel necessary to take at this time.” he said.
“The restrictions take place with immediate effect and will remain in place for the next two weeks. TRSA will continue to monitor the situation in conjunction with the Racing Minister’s Office and Public Health Officials.
“Everything we are doing is in the best interests of the health of participants and equine welfare and we are committed to keeping people informed as much as possible during what is a very challenging time for everyone in racing.
“We appreciate this is not an ideal situation and wish to thank the Clubs who are impacted over the next two weeks in working with the Industry to ensure we can continue to race.
The decision affects a number of upcoming feature metropolitan, provincial and regional events including:
- The Clare Cup Sunday 22 November
- Langhorne Creek Vignerons Day Sunday 29 November
Racing enthusiasts will be able to watch races live on free to air TV on Racing.com, channel 78, and Sky and view all trials and club jump outs on the Thoroughbred Racing SA website.
Essential racing personnel are defined as:
- Thoroughbred Racing SA stewards and veterinarians
- Trainers, jockeys and stablehands with a runner at the race meeting
- Barrier attendants, starters and essential track staff
- Clerks of the course
- Judges and photo finish operator
- Weighing room staff and jockeys’ attendants
- Raceday event staff and security including horse stalls, mounting yards and float carpark
- Ambulance services
- Farriers and other essential service providers approved by TRSA in conjunction with the club
- Broadcast services including the racecaller
- Restricted core racing media as approved by TRSA and the club
- Restricted operational race club staff and management
No on-course wagering facilities will be available and essential personnel will be required to leave the racecourse after their horses have run. There will be no public access.
All industry participants will be required to have their industry ID cards to access race meetings.
