What Alert 4 lockdown means for racing

The announcement by the Government to move to Level 4 has major implications for the racing industry.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that Auckland and Coromandel will go to Level 4 Lockdown for a week, while the rest of the country will be at Level 4 for three days.

That means tomorrow's meetings at Auckland and Winton will not go ahead and that Friday's meeting at Addington will also be cancelled however HRNZ is working with the TAB to see if this meeting could be transferred to a Saturday day meeting. HRNZ will provide an update on this later today. 

Ashburton's meeting on Sunday is still on for the time being, subject to an update on Alert levels from the Government.

Under Alert Level 4 there are restrictions on what trainers can do. Animal welfare is paramount so those in charge of a horse such as owners or trainers are allowed to feed and care for their horses, though fast working them or training is not allowed.

There will also be no trials or workouts in the meantime.

Movement is restricted so that means that if a trainer lives on-site then the preference is other workers should not travel to their stables unless they are required to help feed horses or provide light exercise due to the size of the team in work. PLEASE NOTE LEVEL 4 is not business as usual with regards training horses.

Facemasks are mandatory as is social distancing and everyone is encouraged to practice social distancing and to hand sanitise regularly.

Vet treatment is allowed, but only if it is urgent.

Trainers cannot move their horses around the country.

For regular updates please keep checking www.hrnz.co.nz and refer to the Government Covid 19 site here.