The Board of Thoroughbred Racing SA (TRSA) announced today that all jumps races scheduled for April have been cancelled due to the unavailability of riders as a result of quarantine rules and travel restrictions.
As a result, Oakbank Easter Carnival (5, 8, 11 April) and Gawler race day (26 April), which were both to be run with no spectators, have now both been abandoned.
TRSA’s CEO, Nick Redin, said, "I know this is frustrating for people who are passionate about the racing industry but, if they truly love it, they will stay away.
"It is absolutely critical that we continue to work as one to get through this crisis."
Owners should not be discouraged by these restrictions. With Racing Victoria announcing last night that all races are to resume in Victoria today, there is over $3 million in prize money for jumps owners to be won.
After a temporary suspension on the season due to jockey, Mark Zahra, requiring COVID-19 testing, racing will resume today with $105,000 available in prize money at Warrnambool.
“Mark’s negative test paves the way for racing to resume in Victoria tomorrow and for this we are extremely grateful. We are acutely aware of the incredible hardship that many Australians are facing as at this time through the loss of their jobs, which is why we are continuing to work so hard to protect the livelihoods of all those within Victorian racing who depend on it,” said Racing Victoria’s Chief Executive, Giles Thompson.
“Victorian racing supports the equivalent of 25,000 full-time jobs through the employment of a vast array of people including trainers, stable staff, jockeys, breeders, vets, farriers, float drivers, administrators, officials and many more. At the centre of our sport is the horse and these people provide the critical care and attention that our horses require on a daily basis.”
To protect Trainers, Jockeys and Stewards, all races in Victoria are still to be non-spectator events, with the equine community encourage to watch the races live on racing.com.
Amendment 27/03/2020 12pm:
- Jump races at all meetings in April have been cancelled and will be replaced with flat races
- Sunday 5 April has been abandoned
- Wednesday 8 April has been transferred to Murray Bridge with all races to be flat races – 7 race card
- Saturday 11 April has been transferred to Morphettville and again all races will be run as flat races - 9 race card
- Sunday 26 Gawler will go ahead with all races to be flat races – 7 race card