Cover image courtesy of GoRacing Tasmania
Compiled by Paul Vettise
Racing in Tasmania is set to resume next month subject to stringent review and risk assessments with Premier Peter Gutwein announcing a restart from Saturday, June 13.
The industry has been in limbo since all three codes in the state were shut-down on April 1 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Racing, which I know has concerned a lot of people in the industry, will be able to return subject to the review and risk assessment by public health in regard to their plan,” Gutwein said.
“Can I say, I know it’s been tough for the racing industry and I appreciate their very strong advocacy. Racing does provide a significant economic benefit to the state but also provides employment for a lot of people and that’s why we put together a strong package of support.
”It’s understood that Tasmanian racing will resume under the regional racing model which has proven to be successful in other states, most notably New South Wales and Queensland.
“I would make the point that one of the key determinations with racing stopping in Tasmania was the fact that we bring people from regional areas to central locations and then back to their regions.
“I know the racing industry is working very hard to return and I’m confident that public health officials are giving it the attention it requires.”
Latest from Europe
Searching for a star to raise funds
Courtesy of TDN Europe
There are plenty of businesses and individuals adversely affected by the coronavirus lockdown meaning that, in Britain, there has been a greater call for the industry’s primary support network, Racing Welfare.
But the charity itself has also been affected by a downturn in its fundraising efforts through events like the London Marathon having to be cancelled, leading to a shortfall in its own funding mechanism.
Last month, Racing Welfare launched its COVID-19 Emergency Appeal with the aim of raising £500,000 (AU$950,000) to cover that loss. Since then, it has also launched a talent contest via social media called the Furlong Factor.
The competition, with a first prize of £1500 (AU$2850) and all-expenses-paid trip for two to the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris, was open to all workers in racing and was devised in partnership with Great British Racing (GBR).
Founded in 2000, Racing Welfare was set up to help current and retired members of the racing workforce. Its services range from the provision of housing to careers guidance and counselling those with problems such as mental health issues or drug and alcohol dependency. The charity’s head office is in the centre of Newmarket but it has a network of welfare officers in all regions of the country.
Racing awaits exit plan
British racing’s leaders will meet on Monday following the government’s expected Sunday announcement regarding the country’s plans for the easing and gradual exit from lockdown.
There has been no racing in Britain since the two National Hunt meetings held behind closed doors at Wetherby and Taunton on March 17.
Lingfield has been mooted as one of the courses which could stage early fixtures | Image courtesy of Racing Post
The weekly update from the Resumption of Racing Group stated: “We understand that everyone across the industry wants to know the date on which racing can resume. We are continuing to have positive conversations with government, including public health officials.
“However, the reality is that the industry will need to understand more about the UK Government’s approach for the return of sport, and the operational implications of any continuing restrictions, and equally the plans from the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales, before we can provide a clear date for resumption."
Purses cut
With racing set to resume in France on Monday, France Galop has announced adjusted prizemoney allocations for the remainder of 2020.
The most swingeing cuts come at Group 1 level on the Flat, with those races being reduced in value by 40 per cent. All other group and listed races will receive a 30 per cent cut, while Parisian races worth upwards of €20,000 (AU$33,336) will drop by 15 per cent, as will provincial races with more than €16,000 (AU$22,700) in prizemoney. All other races will drop by 20 per cent.
Racing returns at three courses in France on Monday | Image courtesy of Scoop Dyga
No May return
It appears unlikely that racing in Ireland will return in May, with the department of agriculture, food and the marine confirming on Thursday that racing falls under the umbrella of outdoor sports behind closed doors that will not be permitted to resume until the country’s third tier of re-opening on June 29.
The government has said it will consider proposals from sectors that wish to have restrictions lifted earlier, and Horse Racing Ireland said in a release on Thursday evening that it is in ongoing talks with the government. There is hope that racing could be moved up to the second tier of resumption, which would see restrictions lifted on June 8.
Dublin’s Leopardstown racecourse | Image courtesy of Racing Post
“Horse Racing Ireland and the Irish racing community are fully supportive of the Government and the Chief Medical Officer for the way in which they have handled this unprecedented public health emergency,” said HRI Chief Executive Brian Kavanagh.
“Through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine there has been constructive engagement with various Government departments this week on the basis that racing will only resume behind closed doors when it is deemed safe and appropriate.”
