Trackwork Allowed as of Midday Tomorrow
Media Release
27 August 2007
Trackwork at Queensland race courses will be permitted to resume at midday tomorrow under strict conditions including the monitoring of horse and staff movement, Racing Minister Andrew Fraser announced tonight.
The decision was made following discussions between the Office of Racing, Primary Industries and Queensland Racing Limited (QRL) late this afternoon.
“Since the Equine Influenza outbreak was announced in New South Wales on Saturday morning there has been a total lock down of horses across Queensland,” Mr Fraser said.
“Race horses need exercise and given concerns over their welfare and the need to maintain fitness levels training will be allowed to continue under strict conditions.
“I must stress there has been no recorded case of Equine Flu having spread to the Queensland racing or harness racing industries and every measure will be taken to maintain the status quo.
“Subject to strict procedures, the racing industry will now be able to resume limited training at major centres from midday tomorrow.”
Mr Fraser said the following restrictions will apply:
- Clubs are to make an application to Queensland Racing providing their approval for training to commence on their facility and agreeing to provide appropriate ausvet decontamination facilities and procedures;
- QRL will monitor track work taking all details relating to horses and staff movement;
- QRL will keep extensive databases on the movement of all horses and staff;
- Training facilities regarded as high risk will be limited to a small horse precinct in the direct vicinity to each venue;
- The horse precinct for medium risk areas will be enlarged to allow horses to be walked to the facility from within the defined area;
- Low risk areas have been restricted to remote country facilities.
QRL Chairman Bob Bentley said the measures put in place will allow the industry to resume some degree of normality, however, it is up to stakeholders to adhere strictly to the procedures that will be announced.
“Queensland Racing staff will be in contact with clubs, industry and associations to detail the procedures to be followed,” Mr Bentley said.
“Resumption of racing will be the determined following further discussions and will resume as soon as practically possible bearing in mind the severity of this viral disease.”
Mr Fraser said the Queensland Harness Racing Board is expected to put forward a similar proposal to authorities in coming days.
Further information can be found on the Queensland Racing website www.queenslandracing.com.au or Queensland Racing’s hotline (07) 3869 9747.
Media Contact: Chris Ward (Minister’s Office) 0418 424 654
Claire Power (Queensland Racing) 0438 733 738 |
