Racing Queensland says all meetings across the state will be conducted without patrons until further notice.
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It follows the Federal Government's advice that all non-essential, organised gatherings of more than 500 people be cancelled to manage the spread of COVID-19,
RQ says all future meetings, trials and trackwork will be limited to key race-day personnel.
"Access will be permitted to licenced participants who have a horse or greyhound engaged at the meeting, along with essential club, QRIC and RQ staff; broadcast services; approved accredited media; and associated staff required to conduct racing activities including veterinarians and ambulance services," Racing Queensland said.
"Access will not be permitted to the general public in any code, nor owners or on-course wagering providers."
Cloncurry and District Race Club's planned Hawaiian Races will be the first meet affected in North West Queensland, on this Saturday March 21.
The club issued a statement Monday confirming the public would not be allowed at the track.
"We regret to inform the public that we are unfortunately unable to host patrons at our Races this Saturday 21st March. A decision has been made by Racing Queensland that all non-TAB meetings across Queensland are to be 'patron-free'," Cloncurry and District Race Club said,
"Access will be permitted to licenced participants who have a horse engaged at the meeting, along with essential club, RQ staff, broadcast services, approved accredited media, and associated staff including veterinarians and ambulance services. Access will not be permitted to the general public, nor owners or on-course wagering providers."
Racing Qld CEO Brendan Parnell said they were in a complex situation which requires a uniform approach.
"The health and safety of our 40,000 participants, including those who are employed in the industry, remains our top-priority and we will continue to work with our clubs, QRIC and participants to navigate this period," Mr Parnell said.
"We are mindful of the carnivals we have on the horizon - and the impact that this decision may have on our clubs - but it is important that we restrict on-course access in the short-term to limit the potential spread of COVID-19 and the potential impact to our industry."
Additionally, access will not be permitted to any key race-day personnel in Queensland that:
- Is suffering from COVID-19 symptoms or is otherwise unwell;
- Has been to a country considered at higher risk of COVID-19 in the past 14 days;
- Is subject to self-isolation requirements imposed by the Government; or
- Has been in close contact with a person suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19.
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
