HRNZ - Sticking to the Rules

Harness Racing New Zealand is urging everyone at racecourses around the country to abide by the rules. 

"There are very strict protocols in place and we have to do what the authorities are telling us,” says HRNZ Chief Executive Gary Woodham.  

“Anecdotally we have heard that some people have been a bit lax especially when it comes to wearing masks. You have to wear them, and wear them properly, for all the time you are on a racecourse.” 

Anyone wanting to go on course is urged to talk to the respective clubs to find out their specific requirements.

"Not all clubs are the same," says Woodham, "so people have to be aware of what they are allowed to do. You can't just turn up expecting to get on course." 

With Auckland under Alert Level Three only essential staff have been allowed in while in other areas owners of horses racing at that meeting, and some sponsors have also been on course.  

The level of compliance at recent meetings has generally been good but Woodham wants to remind people of what's at stake here.    

“We cannot have people not complying with the rules and run the risk of being audited by the police or MPI  (Ministry of Primary Industries), and being closed down,” says Woodham. 

HRNZ’s reminder of the rules coincides with four meetings the length of the country this week with Auckland on Friday, Invercargill on Saturday and two Canterbury meetings, the Methven Trotting Club meeting at Orari on Sunday and Thursday's meeting at Addington. 

This afternoon the Government  announced its roadmap to easing restrictions in Auckland and tweaks to Alert Level 2 restrictions for the rest of the country.

Addington Raceway, which is scheduled to host the New Zealand Cup on Tuesday November 9, says today's announcement doesn't change much as Canterbury will have to be at Alert Level One for them to go ahead with a traditional Cup day. 

The new settings announced today though do allow for crowds of more than 100 people at hospitality venues, but all guests have to be seated, waited on and socially distanced.