The Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards advise all industry stakeholders of the following requirements which must be adhered to at all Victorian race meetings:
- Only Victorian based Trainers and Drivers may compete at a race and trial meeting;
- Only licensed Trainers, Drivers and Stablehands may attend the meeting where they have a horse engaged, a driving engagement or are assisting a Trainer with a horse engaged;
- Only Essential Raceday Staff may attend the meeting;
- A Trainer must only have 1 (one) Stablehand present at a meeting. The only exception will be where a Trainer has 3 (three) or more horses engaged where a maximum of 2 (two) Stablehands apply;
- Prior to entering the stabling area all persons must present identification for verification and complete the ‘Infectious Disease Declaration’. This may be printed and completed prior to arrival (form can be accessed here);
- Prior to entering the stabling area all persons, eligible to enter, must undergo a temperature check. Those persons displaying a confirmed temperature of 37.6 degrees Celsius or above will not be permitted entry. Such person will not be permitted to attend further race meetings, or present any horse to start in races, until a full medical clearance is received by HRV (Effective 25 March 2020);
- Drivers are to limit the time spent within the Drivers Room as much as possible;
- All persons should enact social distancing practices and good hygiene practices (further information can be accessed here);
- 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 (after completion of swabbing procedures, attendance before Stewards etc);
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:
238. 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.
All industry stakeholders are reminded of the availability of the HRV Industry Assistance Program. Further information can be accessed here.
