With last week’s announced the easing of government’s COVID-19 restrictions, NZTR has worked with racing clubs in reviewed the thoroughbred protocols, and having also shared with the Trainers and Jockey’s associations has today released a Directive for training and racing under Alert Level 2. 

Reflective of the government’s intents, for the conduct of business, nearly all the protocols that applied under Level 3 continue to prevail under Alert Level 2. Key points of note:

• Race or trial meetings will continue behind closed doors at least until 31 July 2020, unless there is a move to Alert Level 1 or significant easing of restrictions for gatherings and hospitality under Alert Level 2
• Due to a 10 person cap on gatherings, and the fact that trackwork is a workplace where hygiene, distancing and contact tracing must be maintained, owners are not permitted to attend trackwork. 
• Until 31 July riders will only be able to ride in the island in which they are resident for the period of June and July.  The reason is as safeguard against the risk that either the North Island or South Island rider pool is required to go into 14+ day isolation due to a COVID positive – allowing the remaining riders to ride all meetings (may require meeting date changes).
• The prohibition on riding for novice trackwork riders that applied under Level 3 no longer applies.
• It is intended that an APP will be provided soon to assist clubs to control access, health declarations and maintain records for contact tracing.

We understand that some owners will be frustrated by continued lack of access to view their horses in person, as it’s one of the joys of ownership.  However, we are very conscious of ensuring that both the racing community and NZ public are safeguarded as best possible against the risk of spreading the virus.  The safeguards also ensure the governments’ confidence that training and racing is a safe activity.  As the government announces further easing of lockdown rules, NZTR will revisit the protocols and look to enable access for owners, sponsors and all others who enjoy the sport.  We look forward to this happening as soon as possible.

The full wording of the Directive can be found here.

Our expectation is that all industry participants will make themselves familiar with the protocols and adhere to them strictly to ensure our industry is able to operate safely.  It is important that every one of our industry participants continues to play their part in ensuring workplaces are safe for everyone and this includes maintaining social distancing and proper hygiene practices, with handwashing etc.  

The protocols, as well as being available on our website, have also been distributed to clubs and recognised industry organisations.

As was the case under Alert Level 3, employers and their staff must work together to confirm safe working practices that includes the required measures of the NZTR Directive as a minimum.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the protocols please contact:

Martin.Burns@nztr.co.nz
M: 0275 110 348