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RQ to consolidate metro regions

1 May 2020

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Racing Queensland will consolidate its metropolitan thoroughbred regions from Monday as part of a multi-staged response to its current biosecurity measures.

Having implemented designated racing regions in late March, RQ will allow conditional participant movement on racedays for those presently assigned to the Metro North and Metro South West regions.

The existing protocols limiting participants to their designated location outside of raceday, including trials, trackwork and jump outs, remain in place, whilst horse movement outside of RQ’s regions may only occur as previously advised.

Click here to see RQ’s horse movement protocols.

Additionally, any licensed participant that is not directly engaged in a race meeting remains restricted from attending.

Upon commencement, metropolitan clubs will be required to establish additional raceday protocols including:

  • Allocation of raceday stalls for former Metro North and Metro South West horses to minimise interaction between participants from alternate racing regions and to observe required social distancing protocols; and
  • Allocation of jockey areas to group former Metro North and Metro South West participants in distinct sections.

RQ COO Adam Wallish said a multi-staged approach had been implemented ahead of the up-coming winter feature races, with a further review to take place in a fortnight’s time.

“With the Queensland racing industry about to enter its eighth week under strict biosecurity measures, we know the restrictions on movement continues to be a topic of much debate,” Mr Wallish said.

“But we cannot hasten this process, and by implementing a staged response, we’re able to take small but gradual steps to reduce restrictions.

“Subject to ongoing Government and health advice, our next review will consider the Central and North Coast regions, along with some further easing across our metropolitan venues.

“It’s important to stress, however, that the end is far from near, and our response will be commensurate with the advice we are receiving at that time.”

Click here to stay up to date with the latest COVID-19 advice from Racing Queensland.

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