NSW Introduce Zoned Racing To Combat Covid-19 Crisis

GREYHOUND Racing NSW will introduce radical new measures in an effort to see racing in the State continue amid the growing coronavirus pandemic.

GREYHOUND Racing NSW will introduce radical new measures to see racing in the State continue amid the growing coronavirus pandemic.

With both state and federal governments continuing to ramp up regulations in combating the health crisis, GRNSW is getting itself on the front foot, outlining their intentions to implement increased biosecurity measures, adhere to stricter government protocols, while further reducing racetrack numbers already restricted to the public.

READ THE FULL GRNSW PRESS RELEASE HERE

And with the livelihoods of thousands of stakeholders on the line, GRNSW is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to be as proactive as possible, resolute in demonstrating to government that it can go about its business without compromising the efforts to halt the spread of the deadly virus.

From Wednesday, just 10 TAB tracks will be used in New South Wales for at least the next month. During that time, Non-TAB racing will be cancelled.

Most notably, Wentworth Park, due its close proximity to the city, will be shut.

As a consequence of those meeting cancellations, feature events programmed for the coming weeks at headquarters have been scrapped.

Greyhound Racing NSW has today announced a temporary closure of 70% of racing venues across the State and the lock down of seven strategically selected zoned regions outside of Sydney in a move to continue racing in the safest possible environment,” said GRNSW CEO Tony Mestrov.

“To limit travel, participants will only be able to race in their zoned region at one of the following tracks: Bathurst, Bulli, Dapto, Dubbo, Richmond, Grafton, The Gardens (Newcastle), Goulburn, Gunnedah and Wagga Wagga.

“All other measures in line with Government and health authority advice are being followed to ensure the safety of all industry participants.”

The GRNSW plan follows today's announcement by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian detailing shutdowns across the State to combat COVID-19 and health advice from both State and Federal Governments.

“GRNSW has made a number of key decisions, the most significant being the closure of some venues and zoning of regions,” Mestrov added.

“Racing will be paused at Wentworth Park for the immediate future to avoid any exposure to metropolitan Sydney, and all feature races on the GRNSW calendar will be put on hold.

“Provincial prizemoney will be paid at all venues. Racing will also cease for the immediate future at all Non-TAB venues with consideration being given to race programming to accommodate country class greyhounds.”

Under the contingency plan, GRNSW is working on staging around 15 meetings a week across the designated venues, with a new calendar to be effective from Wednesday.

The case to continue NSW racing, even in a reduced form, is a compelling one.

Responsible for the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people, the industry is a significant contributor to state government coffers through wagering taxes.

And while the financial aspect carries serious weight, the social outlet the three codes offer can't be understated either.

At these unprecedented times, the continuation of racing can provide people at home with some much needed respite from the major challenges facing all walks of life as the COVID-19 crisis deepens.




 

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