Racing in Tasmania will continue, but without on-course spectators, until the coronavirus crisis is over.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Late on Monday, Tasracing followed the lead of the other states in banning all but essential personnel from thoroughbred, harness and greyhound meetings.
This followed a telephone hookup between the controlling body and the major race clubs.
The decision to lockout spectators, which includes owners, was unanimous.
The only people allowed to attend meetings will be participants and their raceday staff, officials and accredited media.
Under Federal Government guidelines, Tasracing could have exempted meetings where less than 500 people were expected to be on-course.
However it decided a 'blanket approach' was preferable.
Tasracing said its aim was to protect the racing industry and wider community.
"We are taking an approach to minimise the possible spread of the virus while taking every possible action to ensure racing can continue safely," it said.
"Our approach and processes will evolve where necessary, as we review the situation including Health Department advice."
SERIES CANCELLED
The Australian Female Drivers Championship in Launceston next month has become the first racing event in Tasmania to fall victim to coronavirus.
Due to be held at Mowbray on April 5 and contested by the best female drivers from every state, the series has been cancelled.
It was felt that it would be unfair to expect participants to travel by air in the current environment.
Launceston Pacing Club secretary Michelle French said that after Western Australian pulled out of the series the other states decided on Monday morning to pull the pin.
"We will look at rescheduling it later in the year," she said.
HEAT ABANDONED
The third heat of the National Apprentice Jockeys Series scheduled for Doomben on Wednesday has been abandoned due to the coronavirus situation.
Racing Queensland believed it would be unfair for apprentices to travel from around Australia and risk exposure to the virus.
A decision on the future of the remaining two heats in Victoria and South Australia is expected to be made later this week by the participating states.
Scarlet So was to have represented Tasmania at Doomben and Sandown while Peter Lui was selected to ride at Murray Bridge.
Tasmania is sitting second on the points table.
TEST FOR MYSTIC
Mystic Journey is one of 18 entries for the $500,000 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
Trainer Adam Trinder has indicated that a track gallop on Tuesday morning will determine whether she takes her place in the field.
If she does, it will be a demanding assignment , as entries are probably the strongest in the race's history.