RQ raises minimum riding weights during COVID-19

Racing Queensland has confirmed that minimum riding weights for all TAB and non-TAB meetings across the state will be temporarily raised by one kilogram during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The direction will be applied across the board, excluding black-type races, until further notice.

RQ will enact the new policy for any meeting for which weights are declared from Monday, March 23, with the Toowoomba Turf Club’s seven-race card on Thursday, March 26 scheduled as the first to be run under the new conditions.

RQ CEO Brendan Parnell said it was prudent to do so in the current circumstances.

“The health and wellbeing of our participants during this pandemic is paramount including our jockeys,” Mr Parnell said.

“By raising minimum riding weights across the board, it’s a small but meaningful way we can assist with their welfare during the most unique of circumstances at present.”

Earlier this week, RQ announced it would conduct patron-free racing across the state amongst a raft of new measures.

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