Written by Paul Vettise
A number of Victorian stables have been shut down following a positive coronavirus test returned by a stablehand employed by Cranbourne trainer Richard Laming.
Racing Victoria said the Laming staff member had not attended the races in the past eight days and the stable had been placed in lockdown while the investigation continues.
Fellow Cranbourne trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young also shut down their operation and scratched runners from engagements at Saturday’s meeting at The Valley as a staff member had done work at Laming’s stable.
On Saturday morning, Racing Victoria also confirmed the Cranbourne stables of Wendy Kelly, Nathan Dunn, Michael Trotter, Adrian McGregor and Tom Nikolic had also all been put into lockdown.
Richard Laming
Group 1-winning jockey Michael Walker and fellow riders Alexandra Bryan and Jason Benbow, who had all ridden recent work for the Laming stable, were also stood down from riding pending COVID-19 testing and clearance from the stewards and Victoria's Chief Medical Officer.
Walker and Bryan were removed from their rides at The Valley and Wangaratta respectively on Saturday.
"All trainers, their staff members and the three licensed jockeys are required to isolate pending the outcome of COVID-19 testing. They will require a clearance from RV Stewards and the Chief Medical Officer before being permitted to resume normal activities," a Racing Victoria statement said.
"All trainers, their staff members and the three licensed jockeys are required to isolate pending the outcome of COVID-19 testing.” – Racing Victoria
Racing Victoria organised COVID-19 testing for all trainers, staff and jockeys and contract tracing withresults are expected on Sunday.
"Deep cleaning will also be undertaken at the Laming stables and Cranbourne Training Centre, which was closed for trackwork on Saturday morning as a precautionary measure. Disinfection of communal areas has been occurring on a daily basis at the Training Centre,” the statement said.
"Having considered all the facts, including the withdrawal of runners from those stables under lockdown, RV acting upon the advice of the Chief Medical Officer determined that it was safe for racing to continue in Victoria on Saturday and until otherwise advised."
A decision on whether the seven Cranbourne stables and three jockeys can participate at the Ballarat and Moe race meetings during the weekend will be made on Sunday, pending the receipt of test results.
