The Chairman of Racing Australia, Greg Nichols, while welcoming the announcement by the Tasmanian Government that Thoroughbred racing is likely to recommence racing on 13 June 2020, expressed disappointment that the nominated date is much later than the 23 May 2020 date which Racing Australia had advocated in our representations to the Tasmanian Government.
The pleasing aspect of the announcement is that it does offer an element of certainty to participants in Tasmania and encourages trainers and owners to commence planning with immediate effect. The disconcerting aspect is that a delay of this magnitude is likely to compromise the long-term viability of the Tasmanian racing economy and the exemplary level of equine welfare that is evident throughout Tasmania.
Since the advent of COVID-19 related restrictions every State and Territory of Australia, with the exception of Tasmania, has continued to conduct racing with the full support of the Prime Minister, National Cabinet and State and Territory Governments and we are extremely appreciative of this support. We can be extremely proud of this achievement. The deployment of world-leading bio-security protocols has contributed to our success in maintaining thoroughbred racing through this turbulent time.
The ongoing wellbeing of all participants in Tasmania and the welfare of Thoroughbred horses throughout Tasmania remains a priority and we will continue to work closely with Tasracing to stridently advocate for the resumption of Tasmanian racing earlier than the proposed timing of 13 June 2020.
Racing Australia Media Release
