Covid 19 Racing

[arlington]

From HRV -

13 March 2020

Participants with horses engaged at Tabcorp Park Melton tomorrow night and Charlton on Sunday are advised that licence cards should be shown to enter the racetrack due to restrictions announced earlier today.
( https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/hrv-supports-proactive-stance/ )

These meetings will be restricted to participants competing, listed owners of horses engaged on the night and essential staff only in the interest of health and safety due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participants who have lost their licence will have to organise a replacement as soon as possible by contacting Jake Germanchis on JGermanchis@hrv.org.au or phone 8378 0240.
Those without licence cards will have to identify themselves with officials.

[Messenger]

A big blow to Charlton who were going to be hosting their first Cup in their new facilities

[Messenger]

Melton functions like a big pub - I doubt they are closing their pokies and bistro tonight (nothing on website) so how is the race meet different?

[aussiebreno]

Melton functions like a big pub - I doubt they are closing their pokies and bistro tonight (nothing on website) so how is the race meet different?

Non-essential organised gatherings is the wording I've seen used. Going to a pub isn't organised but a race meeting is organised. No idea what Melton what will do though. Bit of a unique situation within a unique situation.

[Messenger]

Organized, 'non-essential' gatherings of 500 people or more will be effectively banned in Australia in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus

We don't get 500 people to non-metro trots meetings :):(

[aussiebreno]

Organized, 'non-essential' gatherings of 500 people or more will be effectively banned in Australia in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus

We don't get 500 people to non-metro trots meetings :):(

:D

[Messenger]

Are HRNSW a bit slow or what?

In the HRNSW Coronavirus Update released today March 16 you will read

"NSW Harness Racing meetings on Friday, 13 March, Saturday, 14 March 2020 and Sunday, 15 March 2020 will proceed with no restrictions."

Duh, I think the word is 'did' not 'will'

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=43184

[aussiebreno]

Are HRNSW a bit slow or what?

In the HRNSW Coronavirus Update released today March 16 you will read

"NSW Harness Racing meetings on Friday, 13 March, Saturday, 14 March 2020 and Sunday, 15 March 2020 will proceed with no restrictions."

Duh, I think the word is 'did' not 'will'

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=43184

HRNSW put that out on the 13th. The issue lies somewhere with the upload to the HRA site.

[Messenger]

I must say I tried to find it on the NSW site and couldn't but just checking again I see that there is now an update (dated today) - maybe that is what was supposed to be uploaded to the HRA site today

[Messenger]

Open air places like the zoo are remaining open but limiting their numbers to 2000
You would think that tracks could remain open but close the indoor facilities (like the zoo)
If we can trust people to self isolate for 2 weeks, you would think we could trust people to keep their distance from those other than those they come with (and people are still piling into supermarkets and mixing indoors there)
I suppose it comes down to what is considered essential
I guess there isn't really any benefit to the industry however but I wouldn't mind being able to go to the trots :(

[Messenger]

"Victorians will still be able to go to the supermarket, the bank, the pharmacy and other essential stores, like petrol stations and convenience stores. Freight, logistics and home delivery are also considered essential and will remain open."


The Age (online)

[Showgrounds]

"Victorians will still be able to go to the supermarket, the bank, the pharmacy and other essential stores, like petrol stations and convenience stores. Freight, logistics and home delivery are also considered essential and will remain open."


The Age (online)

The dills do not realise that racing is an essential service to the likes of us!

However, you have called it right Kev. I believe the pollies have overlooked the fact that racing, in its current guise, is an economic necessity and not a sporting pastime.

[Messenger]

It is all as clear as mud. From what the PM said tonight I don't know what is open - it would seem all retail is OK except where people congregate eg Cafes and Pubs and Clubs, which now can only do 'take-away' retail
Hard to know whether it is business as usual for everybody else just with social distancing observed?
The PM is definite about kids continuing to go to school so surely people will be allowed to go to work including racing people (but VIC may be different)
Punters.com doesn't think we will know what it means for racing until tomorrow at the earliest

https://www.punters.com.au/news/racing-in-limbo-as-states-shut-down_189151/

[Messenger]

Victorian racing minister Martin Pakula: "Enjoy it while we can"

https://www.punters.com.au/news/racing-minister%3a-enjoy-racing-while-we-can_189161/

HRV, HRNSW close borders to interstate visitors

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/hrv-hrnsw-close-borders-to-interstate-visitors/

[Messenger]

NSW hoping to continue but NZ looks like it might be gone

https://www.punters.com.au/news/new-south-wales-to-continue-racing_189164/

[Messenger]

Racing Victoria declares intention to race on during Coronavirus pandemic

https://www.punters.com.au/news/victoria-declares-intention-to-race-on_189173/

or NOT added to thread title

[Messenger]

A main threat to continued racing which I had not considered, was mentioned as a main threat to English racing in the business section of The Age this morning
- the requirement for emergency service workers at the tracks, the suggestion being: will they be able to spare them?

[Messenger]

Thread title changed again to IT IS

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - URGENT HRNSW INDUSTRY NOTICE
24 March 2020
Logo
HRNSW Management advises that they are currently monitoring the health of an industry participant who was in attendance at the Penrith Harness meeting on Thursday 19 March 2020 and who had previously been in direct contact with a person confirmed to have contracted the COVID-19 virus.

All persons who had direct contact with the industry participant have already been notified.

Consequently and regrettably, HRNSW advises that Harness Racing will be temporarily suspended until the results of medical testing become available.

The race meetings scheduled from today through until Thursday 26 March 2020 have been abandoned. For meetings after that date, fields will be drawn to facilitate the recommencement of harness racing at the earliest opportunity.

All persons who attended the Penrith harness meeting on Thursday 19 March 2020 are advised to closely monitor their health and seek immediate medical attention should they develop flu like symptoms.

https://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=43272

You cannot help but think that this was known yesterday when they announced HRV and HRNSW were closing their borders

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/hrv-hrnsw-close-borders-to-interstate-visitors/

[Messenger]

And Bendigo Abandoned too

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/hrv-suspends-bendigo-meeting/

[Messenger]

NSW hoping to continue but NZ looks like it might be gone

https://www.punters.com.au/news/new-south-wales-to-continue-racing_189164/

New Zealand racing across all codes has ceased until at least April 23rd

http://www.harnesslink.com/News/2020-Harness-Jewels---

[Messenger]

Victoria suspends more meetings following NSW report
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday suspended

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/victoria-suspends-more-meetings-following-nsw-report/

WA suspended last night's meeting

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=43276

[gutwagon]

I don't know if people have heard the proposal to Quarantine 60 horses at Melton, with some trainers and drivers in the Motel . Run races there with the same 60 horses up to 3 times a week.

Let me guess who the first trainer would be . E Stewart . Oh great an odds on fav in every race !
Either keep it all open or shut it all down. How could you give all the prize money to 60 lucky owners ! Imagine how many would leave the industry in disgust.

[aussiebreno]

I don't know if people have heard the proposal to Quarantine 60 horses at Melton, with some trainers and drivers in the Motel . Run races there with the same 60 horses up to 3 times a week.

Let me guess who the first trainer would be . E Stewart . Oh great an odds on fav in every race !
Either keep it all open or shut it all down. How could you give all the prize money to 60 lucky owners ! Imagine how many would leave the industry in disgust.

I don't see how its a problem for owners who miss out if they are going to miss out anyway. Just seems like sour grapes and pretty juvenile to crack the shits if you would be missing out anyway.

Where I do see a problem with this concept is it can open up a lot of negatives and the gain is only actually quite minimal. The rest of the world has stopped but here we are flogging horses 3 times a week so people can spend whatever money they still have on gambling as we head into a probable recession.

With nothing else to do animal welfare groups and anti-gambling groups would have a field day and with not much else happening in the world many normal people would potentially be more in-tune with their do-gooding causes.

I see it as a great way to get even more of the community off-side when life does return to normal.

[Messenger]

A shutdown will test how many owners are animal lovers as there will be bills without any possible return
To be fair there will be some owners feeling the pinch with unemployment skyrocketing every day

The same was suggested in an article in The Age

"The horse still needs to be fed and watered, preferably exercised. You've got so many other elements you need to consider."

Among those elements are the bills that inevitably mount in caring for animals.

If racing stops, prizemoney is not distributed; jockeys are left sidelined and owners are forced to provide for their horse's upkeep. If owners lose their jobs, the bills could be left to the trainers. Many hobby trainers, too, own large shares in the horses they train.

"I'm concerned about the financial ecosystem, that small owners, the impact of the pandemic means smart people will look at their discretionary spend and look at what they can afford and what they can't," Nichols says.

"That could have an impact on owners and their ability to remunerate the trainers."

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/racing/why-racing-can-t-afford-to-shut-its-doors-20200324-p54dhz.html

[Messenger]

I don't see how its a problem for owners who miss out if they are going to miss out anyway. Just seems like sour grapes and pretty juvenile to crack the shits if you would be missing out anyway.

Where I do see a problem with this concept is it can open up a lot of negatives and the gain is only actually quite minimal. The rest of the world has stopped but here we are flogging horses 3 times a week so people can spend whatever money they still have on gambling as we head into a probable recession.

With nothing else to do animal welfare groups and anti-gambling groups would have a field day and with not much else happening in the world many normal people would potentially be more in-tune with their do-gooding causes.

I see it as a great way to get even more of the community off-side when life does return to normal.

But shouldn't every owner be given a chance to have his horse selected as one of the 60?

[aussiebreno]

But shouldn't every owner be given a chance to have his horse selected as one of the 60?
The world isn't always fair to begin with and in this unprecedented time in our lives I think people just have to live with decisions that aren't always fair on everyone.

I can see the merit in a random draw but see more merit in having the trainers most affected be first picked; Stewart, Gath, Aiken, Tubbs, Stanley, Asbestos, Lee.

If you end up with 60 trainers thats a lot people at the motel and more chance of the infection reaching there.

Stewart and Gath would likely be missing out on 6 figure income here heck potentially 7 figures by the time this is over, its a bit different to someone with a few horses in work on half share missing out income.

[Messenger]

You would think that you could quarantine/house Xnumber of trainers and drivers (they have to volunteer of course) and rotate the horses every month without any contact between horse transporters and those quarantined (we're dreaming that it can happen at all, of course)

[Messenger]

https://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=43282

Today, Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) confirmed the official who worked at the Penrith harness racing meeting last Thursday, March 19, has tested positive to COVID-19.

Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) has suspended harness racing immediately as a precautionary measure

WHY?
How would a Penrith official threaten Victorian racing !

[aussiebreno]

https://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=43282

Today, Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW) confirmed the official who worked at the Penrith harness racing meeting last Thursday, March 19, has tested positive to COVID-19.

Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) has suspended harness racing immediately as a precautionary measure

WHY?
How would a Penrith official threaten Victorian racing !

Trainer driver at Penrith could have been in contact with a trainer or driver at Menangle or Bathurst who is or who has been in contact with a trainer/driver in Vic.

Willie Pike caused the abandonment of Perth today.

The extrapolation and snowball effect of the 6 degrees of seperation theory is massive. I have a normal flu at the moment but got to thinking of the people I was in a room with in the past week, then the people theu have been in a room with, and then in turn the people they have been in a room with. The number could easily be over 10000 people at risk of infection just because of my limiited interactions. The responsible thing is to stop racing and a truck load of other activities so life can return to normal asap. OR just let it be a complete FFA but that appears to be against the vast majorities moral compass.

[Messenger]

Trainer driver at Penrith could have been in contact with a trainer or driver at Menangle or Bathurst who is or who has been in contact with a trainer/driver in Vic.

Willie Pike caused the abandonment of Perth today.

The extrapolation and snowball effect of the 6 degrees of seperation theory is massive. I have a normal flu at the moment but got to thinking of the people I was in a room with in the past week, then the people theu have been in a room with, and then in turn the people they have been in a room with. The number could easily be over 10000 people at risk of infection just because of my limiited interactions. The responsible thing is to stop racing and a truck load of other activities so life can return to normal asap. OR just let it be a complete FFA but that appears to be against the vast majorities moral compass.

I understand your scenarios Brendan but have they contacted all concerned and determined this to be the case?
There is good reason to name people, forget an exaggerated need for privacy, naming people can help people determine if 'they' have been in contact with that person

I understand that some would favour erring on the side of caution but we are also talking about the potential to destroy people's livelihood. It is like the PM saying that all jobs are essential and the reason why he is not jumping into a total lockdown, not that I want him going down the Trump path - someone who does not have the patience to fight the fight past Easter (what a *&%^#$ idiot). Oldies like myself are putting themselves in total lockdown anyway

Willie Pike has gone from Melbourne to Perth and I assume been in contact with Perth racing people. If the Penrith person or any of his contacts have travelled to Vic and/or been in contact with any Vic harness people, I fully understand HRV's actions

[aussiebreno]

I understand your scenarios Brendan but have they contacted all concerned and determined this to be the case?
There is good reason to name people, forget an exaggerated need for privacy, naming people can help people determine if 'they' have been in contact with that person

I understand that some would favour erring on the side of caution but we are also talking about the potential to destroy people's livelihood. It is like the PM saying that all jobs are essential and the reason why he is not jumping into a total lockdown, not that I want him going down the Trump path - someone who does not have the patience to fight the fight past Easter (what a *&%^#$ idiot). Oldies like myself are putting themselves in total lockdown anyway

Willie Pike has gone from Melbourne to Perth and I assume been in contact with Perth racing people. If the Penrith person or any of his contacts have travelled to Vic and/or been in contact with any Vic harness people, I fully understand HRV's actions
It doesn't need individual people tracking. People at Penrith on Thursday night went to Bathurst Friday night. People at Bathurst included Chris Alford who went to Melton Saturday night. The industry must stop. People can't be trusted to self-isolate themself and stay away from Bondi Beach means people sure as hell can't be trusted to say they didn't shake hands with Blake Fitzpatrick and then did or did not cough near Chris Alford.

This whole thing is economically crippling but if it goes for 18 months (as it will with a piece meal approach) that is much more crippling than it going for 6 months in total lockdown and then being able to return. The best way to make sure it only goes for 6 months is to lockdown yesterday. It gives people an opportunity to return to normal sooner.

Its a bit like sitting a piece of candy in front of a kid and saying do you want one piece now or you can wait an hour and have 3 pieces. That piece of candy dangling in front of you is tempting but lets wait and have 3 pieces.

[Messenger]

My one and only piece of 'old man's advice' that I give is - Look after your teeth
Don't eat candy :D

ps I wasn't aware of Chris Alford's movements

[Messenger]

I am somewhat embarrassed to say that I completely missed the Tiara and Crown meets (a lot going on)
but let's hope that the segregation of the states ruling

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/hrv-hrnsw-close-borders-to-interstate-visitors/

Is not a case of the horse having already bolted

[Yabbie]

It is my understanding that 21 Victorian industry persons were at Bathurst on Friday night, hence the shutdown.

[aussiebreno]

I am somewhat embarrassed to say that I completely missed the Tiara and Crown meets (a lot going on)
but let's hope that the segregation of the states ruling

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/hrv-hrnsw-close-borders-to-interstate-visitors/

Is not a case of the horse having already bolted

Greyhounds in NSW have actually.done it really well. Trainers are only allowed to race at one track. Only 10 tracks are open. So even if one trainer gets it it is only 1 track that has to shut down. Bit harder for us to do with drivers but not impossible.

[Messenger]

We could do it easily enough in Vic
There is pretty much already a Mildura crew
We could consider reprogramming down to just 7 tracks in the interim who each hold a meeting on a set day, every week for the interim of this disaster
Ballarat, Bendigo, Melton, Mildura, Shepparton, Cranbourne, and one in the West (Hamilton might be the most central)
You could limit fields to 8 (but name emergencies) Each track would need a pool of at least 9 drivers and a pool of trainers who race at that track only

[aussiebreno]

We could do it easily enough in Vic
There is pretty much already a Mildura crew
We could consider reprogramming down to just 7 tracks in the interim who each hold a meeting on a set day, every week for the interim of this disaster
Ballarat, Bendigo, Melton, Mildura, Shepparton, Cranbourne, and one in the West (Hamilton might be the most central)
You could limit fields to 8 (but name emergencies) Each track would need a pool of at least 9 drivers and a pool of trainers who race at that track only

So you're talking about increasing the field sizes at Cranbourne :cool:

[eliteblood]

Here it is for NSW

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=43308

[aussiebreno]

Here it is for NSW

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=43308

From April 1. 5 more days. Have they not seen the upward graph of number of cases and where this could be in 5 days??? Its even money someone at Bathurst on Saturday night will have been in contact with a confirmed case. I get cancelling Bathurst is a big call but back to my analogy from yesterday, do we want 1 piece of candy or 3?

[Messenger]

Here it is for NSW

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=43308

It looks good Trev
Having 4 regions with a couple of meets/tracks in each would allow pro trainers and drivers a better chance of making a living

[Messenger]

From April 1. 5 more days. Have they not seen the upward graph of number of cases and where this could be in 5 days??? Its even money someone at Bathurst on Saturday night will have been in contact with a confirmed case. I get cancelling Bathurst is a big call but back to my analogy from yesterday, do we want 1 piece of candy or 3?

The next 2 days are abandoned so do you think they should abandon all until April 1 Breno or maybe a bit longer even to make sure it isn't spreading eg until Apr 11

[aussiebreno]

The next 2 days are abandoned so do you think they should abandon all until April 1 Breno or maybe a bit longer even to make sure it isn't spreading eg until Apr 11
I think there are 4 reasonable options. Any other options that I can think of are just not feasible in the slighest.

A) abandon all racing up to April 1 and start with this zone theory
B) just scratch horses that are racing out of their zone over the next few days and then start zone theory (Bathurst would still to be abandoned though)
C) wait 14 days and start the zone theory
D) Cancel all racing immediately

I'm probably on the side of D but on the fence. D because of the good of the nation and the long term public image of racing its a no brainer to go with D. We are lucky hair dressers and coffee shops having been copping it past 24 hours and we have still somehow flew under the radar of the public. However I can understand the economic decisions and responsibility to industry stakeholders to not go with option D.

Which leaves A, B, and C. A&B are still a bit of a gamble with cross-zone contamination including from previous meetings if it comes out someone is infected, but nowhere as big as a gamble as racing at Bathurst. C would be ultra safe option but we lose 2 weeks now. We could come back in 2 weeks but then in 3 weeks time with the infection rates going as they are we could have people across multiple zones bring in infection from outside the harness industry anyway so multiple zones are shut down - so we could have just wasted 2 weeks of no racing for no return. But still A, B & C would seem the safest bets if trying to lock in a good (good in relative terms) economic result for stakeholders - much safer than racing at Bathurst.

[Messenger]

The APG series

the Board resolved to seek a POSTPONEMENT of both Series 29 and Series 30 by TWELVE MONTHS.

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=43304

[Messenger]

Harness Racing in NSW and VIC to resume tomorrow as Penrith Officials Coronavirus test came back Negative

No smart Regional moves from Vic - only the following

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=43312

[Messenger]

IMO, an excellent suggestion from an old poster - that the prizemoney across NSW's 4 regions should be evened out a bit instead of having the Metro region the only one racing for the bigger prizemoney

[Messenger]

From April 1. 5 more days. Have they not seen the upward graph of number of cases and where this could be in 5 days??? Its even money someone at Bathurst on Saturday night will have been in contact with a confirmed case. I get cancelling Bathurst is a big call but back to my analogy from yesterday, do we want 1 piece of candy or 3?

So we all know that Bathurst went ahead with plenty of Vics
I sure wish that Victoria had a regional system in place for them to come back to, for if any of them bring back the virus - the whole state closes down again

[Messenger]

With the public not allowed to attend surely it makes sense to use fewer tracks to cut back on expenses

[Messenger]

So you're talking about increasing the field sizes at Cranbourne :cool:

Check out the field sizes at Cranbourne tomorrow Brendan

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=CR300320

[aussiebreno]

Check out the field sizes at Cranbourne tomorrow Brendan

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=CR300320

Wow. Are these panic nominations in a similar vein to panic buying toilet paper! Full fields and 8 races!!!

[Messenger]

Mildura Cup postponed, Bendigo moved to Tuesday

HRV will tomorrow morning provide a more detailed view of how the racing calendar will look from Thursday onward.

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/mildura-cup-postponed-bendigo-moved-to-tuesday/

LOL this home isolation must be messing with my brain, reading the above I got excited about Stawell trots on Wednesday - before remembering we cant :(

[Showgrounds]

I haven't been to Mildura for nearly 36 years, having been a Cup regular for the previous decade. My wife has never been there so I booked in nice and early last month for the week. My wife started holidays last Monday knowing we wouldn't be going to the races. Since then, I have been advised I am in the "high risk" category (due to a recent hospital stay and chemotherapy) and to stay home. I can handle that.

This afternoon I rang our hotel in Mildura to cancel and the reception pre-empted the nature of my call. She said she had worked there for 15 years and had never made more cancellations than she had the past fortnight. Shortly after, I found out the three race meetings scheduled there next week have been "postponed". The economic impact to the town must be immense. We have already made a decision to spend a week there in September.

[Messenger]

You might be high risk Trev but I hope you are in good health
In some ways the postponement of their cup may be a good thing (if they get to run it eventually) as I cannot see how running races with no crowds can help a town very much (or a club when they are paying out big prizemoney in the current times)
I live in a tourist town which is pretty much closed up and empty but I somehow suspect we are going to see the holiday houses full at Easter - I hope I am wrong because we really do not want the locals mixing with out of towners in the little supermarket which is pretty much the only thing still open

[thepacingman]

Wow. Are these panic nominations in a similar vein to panic buying toilet paper! Full fields and 8 races!!!
Not really a surprise. Trainers probably realised they will not have to spend however long fighting their way through the traffic like would normally happen.

[arlington]

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/victoria-to-adopt-regional-racing-model-from-thursday/

The new racing model will see Victoria divided into six regions, with meetings conducted at nine tracks – Inner West (Melton and Ballarat), West (Terang and Stawell), East (Kilmore and Cranbourne), North West (Mildura), Central (Bendigo) and North East (Shepparton).

To see who is in what region

https://www.thetrots.com.au/racing/region-based-racing/

[Messenger]

It will affect drivers most of all
Chris Alford does not list an address nowadays - what region will he be in?

[arlington]

It will affect drivers most of all
Chris Alford does not list an address nowadays - what region will he be in?

Pretty sure Chris would be this Kev -
LGA: Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Region: East
Track/s: Cranbourne - Kilmore

[Messenger]

So our leading driver will not be allowed to drive at Melton. I wonder whether they will do the right thing and spread the prizemoney around the regions
Interesting, when I checked the Top 20 lists to see if Chris was still leading driver, I noted that number 2 Greg Sugars is listed as SA :confused:
I will provide the link but sometimes they only take you to the home page

http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/top20/index.cfm/drivers/default/sort/wins?d=30032020

[arlington]

Pretty sure no Melton meetings, at least no metro. I'd say they have a gazillion things to work through, pat on back for them, doing a great job by the second and pretty well 24/7. Would have to look at my phone but I think I've received info updates via sms at 8 -9 o'clock at night.

[gutwagon]

So if one region shuts due to infection can horses be transferred to other trainers in the regions that are still racing ?
With high infection rates and close proximity to Melbourne I think Cranbourne and Melton should have been avoided and not used. Drastic action will prolong the racing window.
They should stick to tracks with open stable areas. Strange that Maryborough has been left out.

[arlington]

Just a thought, no more. Chris might appreciate a lighter load, not racing around at all hours all over the state.

[Messenger]

At a pinch they could have given some pro drivers 2 regions while making sure they did not overlap
eg Sugars, Gath, Bellman - West and Inner West
Alford, Herbertson, Frenning - North East and Central
Of course this has the potential to take out 2 regions with 1 virus case but we do have 7 regions compared to NSW's 4

[arlington]

Doubt that would fly Kev. Martin and Daniel would not approve.
Besides you left out one gun driver from the north east who has run past Chrissy his last two drives :D:D:D

[arlington]

Only a couple of meetings just released, take it as a sample. Prize money per race 7000, 8000, 12000.

[arlington]

A podcast from yesterday. Paul Campbell, "Campbell's Comments" with HRV CEO Dayle Brown.
Regional racing, prospects of morning races...
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-zemai-d797e5

[Messenger]

The drivers (enough of) might be the tricky bit
Chris Alford is listed to drive 4 horses in R3 at Kilmore at this point

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=KI030420#KIC03042008

[arlington]

The driver listed with the first release of fields would be, by default, the last one who drove that horse.
I don't think it's going to be a problem, certainly not out biggest hurdle, to continuing through COVID19.
Off the top of my head Josh Duggan might have driven a couple of those previously...
A tip from me - follow the form of the horse.

[Messenger]

I knew why Chris was listed 4 times
A tip from me - follow which one Chris goes with ;)

Although we have many accomplished drivers who might run past the likes of CA
The new regions means we are not going to see the leading drivers race against each other as much - there may only be a couple in each region

ps I wonder why David Miles isn't driving any of his

[Messenger]

https://www.hrnsw.com.au/news/2397/100000-tabcorp-regional-championships

This is what we want to see - sharing it around

Except Menangle trainers are still getting all the Metro stakes on Saturday
How long has Grant Dixon been a Menangle trainer?

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PC040420

[arlington]

I knew why Chris was listed 4 times
A tip from me - follow which one Chris goes with ;)

Although we have many accomplished drivers who might run past the likes of CA
The new regions means we are not going to see the leading drivers race against each other as much - there may only be a couple in each region

ps I wonder why David Miles isn't driving any of his


From the bottom up (a hint to the HRV race programmers) David drove and won at Bathurst, has self isolated, maybe still celebrating, but his horses are racing.

Not seeing the top drivers race against each other for this period is...we shouldn't race because of that? Hmmm

A tip from the mouth of C Alford for last night - Alison had three in one race, Chris thought one he wasn't driving had the better chance. Odds went from 8's to 4's in a few mins, started 2's I think. Started badly and ran second. Form line suggested C A wasn't a bad tipster. BTW was public, RSN.

edit: and no, Chris didn't win

edit II But hey Kev, no better time to back the top drivers in the region, they should have field days. Just like the stock market now, buy in buy in buy in!

[Messenger]

From the bottom up (a hint to the HRV race programmers) David drove and won at Bathurst, has self isolated, maybe still celebrating, but his horses are racing.

Not seeing the top drivers race against each other for this period is...we shouldn't race because of that? Hmmm

A tip from the mouth of C Alford for last night - Alison had three in one race, Chris thought one he wasn't driving had the better chance. Odds went from 8's to 4's in a few mins, started 2's I think. Started badly and ran second. Form line suggested C A wasn't a bad tipster. BTW was public, RSN.

edit: and no, Chris didn't win

edit II But hey Kev, no better time to back the top drivers in the region, they should have field days. Just like the stock market now, buy in buy in buy in!

Nobody is saying that are they?

One side of my brain says that the top drivers might have a picnic, the other says that without their peers there - it might be a bit more unpredictable and trickier

[Messenger]

Yes David had to self isolate

https://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=43329

What is the story on Grant Dixon

Has horses in at Albion Park

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=AP040420

And horses in at Menangle

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PC040420

[aussiebreno]

Yes David had to self isolate

https://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=43329

What is the story on Grant Dixon

Has horses in at Albion Park

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=AP040420

And horses in at Menangle

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PC040420
Tipping horses with a caretaker?

[Messenger]

It is amazing that we are still racing - now they have closed golf courses!
We are relying on participants to do the right thing - to put the industry's interests before their own (stay away/fess up if anybody in their stable/circle is crook)
SCARY really - I have read too many Stewards Investigations to trust anymore than 80% of participants

[arlington]

Received a HRV SMS at 8:35 pm tonight. First morning meeting Shepparton next Tuesday the 7th.

[arlington]

What about a TAB driver challenge? I realise it could be short lived but weekly?

[Messenger]

What is with the mornings Wayne?
We only have the punting dollar now - will they help???!!!

[arlington]

If you listen to the podcast , link posted a day or so ago, Dayle Brown expands on the reasoning. Had been muted at the CEO road shows.
Timeslot suits some of the northern hemisphere and the opportunity has come up to put them on at a lower risk. Hadn't been any bottom up, $4500, races programmed with low points score horses finding it hard to get a run with the new COVID programming. Suck it and see - fortune favours the brave.

edit: Poorly written, my thoughts are (not from HRV) opportunity to put lower risk 4500 races on whilst giving the low point scorers opportunity to race. The first meeting is a 4500 that's all I can say.

[Messenger]

I must start listening to more of these podcasts but we deaf blokes like short and sweet written dot points

[Messenger]

Received a HRV SMS at 8:35 pm tonight. First morning meeting Shepparton next Tuesday the 7th.

That is racing 2 days in a row for Shep

[arlington]

That is racing 2 days in a row for Shep

As you know Kev, big horse population, now including Cobram Echuca Wang... pat on the back to the Shepp club for accommodating.

[gutwagon]

Chris Alford drove at Bathurst on 20/3/20 and has continued to drive ever since. Seems to be breaching the rule. What am I missing ?

[Messenger]

Rick, I am thinking the fact that the Penrith official who threw the cloud over Bathurst tested negative and the fact that HRV/HRNSW did not close the border until Mar 23 put Chris in the clear unlike David Miles who has had to self isolate

[Messenger]

Reading another article, saw old news - the fact that the All Stars have shut down for the season. In case anybody else missed it too

http://www.harnesslink.com/News/All-Stars-stable-

[aussiebreno]

Tassie bits the dust

So many employed in this industry I dont see the other states following suit just yet. Sydney will be safe until at least next weekend due to the Championships imo.

[gutwagon]

Re Chris Alford, they seemed to have changed their original bans and the new ones started from the 30th of March. I was not trying to have ago at Chris, it's just due to his high profile he is the easiest to remember.

[Halwes]

Tassie bits the dust

So many employed in this industry I dont see the other states following suit just yet. Sydney will be safe until at least next weekend due to the Championships imo.

This post was not completed until now Sat 4 Apr, I accidentally cancelled it yesterday when it was 99% complete, and lost a lot of it. it recommences where the italics start
I think it's a shame, but one of my personal concerns is the difficulty we all have in not touching all the surfaces and our face etc .I think it is these transmissions that are the problem. I have a small bottle of a hand sanitiser that is running out. You can't buy them anywhere though. I do use it as soon as I leave the supermarket, and when it runs out I 'll have to take the liquid soap dispense from the bathroom, take it with me and bottle of water . Yes , I used coles delivery .. not cheap, but my health is supreme so I guess I need to restart deliveries. You get the drift. On the positive side,
I have only heard of 1 case of ‘local’ trans in high risk areas at Coles and Woolies etc, that’s pretty good if true, but of course it’s a moving target this virus.
What I wanted to say was that the CEO, this reactionary CEO should be on the front foot in getting a quality document on what HRV is doing in relation to cleansing its racetracks, and in particularly on the day before racedays and on race-days.

This document should detail the mitigation strategies and protocols that it puts in place for all those attending events. This includes placement of sanitisers throughout the course, providing a pamphlet to all those attending on actions attendees must take, actual cleansing measures to wipe down surfaces etc etc , the day before th event and on race day, communicating strategies including using the powerful course broadcast system to remind the attendees about all that.

People might throw their hands up in the air and say, we can’t do that, no it’s a waste, it’s BS but in another breath will agree that it will be a calamity if the trots and greyhounds are stopped.

A company like Spotless is very experienced in this area and can develop a comprehensive health prevention and cleansing plan quickly, a customised and very professionally prepared consultancy plan for HRV ready for very rapid distribution to Trainers and Drivers, race callers, course administrators etc.

But the critical elements of the plan once agreed must be implemented in a helluva hurry BEFORE ( emphasised) the report is provided to the Premier and Health Minister. This is critical. In other words if there is a meeting, the measures I identified must be put in place before a meeting.

I say to the reactionary CEO, for heavens sake, even if you can’t get a plan together for getting free to air on 7 while the footy is not televised, get the health prevention plan prepared immediately.
Get together with Spotless, Broadspectrum for instance, and get that plan developed as the very most urgent priority you have. These companies have contacts in the health Departments at the highest level too.

Again, It is essential that you can demonstrate that the critical measures of the plan are already implemented at the course before you approach the Ministry. That allows the Minister to wave the plan in the air to the media as a strong defence of what HRV is proactively doing to protect the public. Yes this might be difficult, but what is worse, a total shutdown, or a plan like I am saying might allow HRV, and for that matter, the greyhound racing industry to continue.
And please, please don’t worry about the cost of the consultancy as there are mountains of dough available to get this reimbursed. BUT SPEED IS THE ESSENCE, THE ABSOLUTE ESSENCE.

If the Government is going to permit back packers to work in Regions to help farmers to pick and harvest crops, a decision approved today, to a group of people who travel the world, then it can allow harness to continue if the HRV does what I propose.

Don’t get me wrong, I live rurally, I fully support farmers, but this group of people ( the backpackers) would have be the riskiest group of people to transmit this virus to us in the bush in particular, where the health resources a much much leaner than they are in cities. So you’d expect a lot of ‘health redundancy’ to be put in place to ensure these backpackers are not carriers right now. We must remember that you may be asymptomatic, but Ill with the disease, ready to pass it on. So things like the thermometer forehead check is appropriate for that group.

And, compellingly, one final comment, we can be very sure that irrespective of what occurs with this virus, the type of plan I am proposing will be required well after the Corona v starts to lessen, and ‘lessen’ is the operative word, the v won’t be under any real control until we get a vaccine. The Deputy Chief Health Officer of the Commonwealth said that yesterday. We are told a vaccine is unlikely to be ready for some eighteen months. Can the world tolerate and afford 18 months of unemployment. The answer is a resounding ‘ No’ . So, the health prevention plan Is required now anyway, a prerequisite before recommencement could occur after any imminent (we expect soon) decision to stop harness racing anyway. Thats the reality. Getting this plan prepared now is therefore very timely, very astute, and a very rational approach.

[Halwes]

Hi Kevin
Can you weave your magic.. the last post, and the last in this I placed to today is an edit of what I did yesterday, but at the moment most people won’t see it..can you repost it so it becomes ‘new post’ ... thanks K

[Messenger]

It is already there for everyone to see Terry

[Messenger]

I agree Terry that we must have a fantastic virus minimalization plan in place
Fastidiously enforced by stewards as we know that there is a sizeable percentage of the industry that cannot be trusted to do the right thing

Provided that we really are not flirting with doing harm to the state, I think we have to be proactive in declaring our case to be allowed to continue
Children are being encouraged to go to school, Childcare workers are being supported in keeping childcare centres open, Hairdressers are allowed to remain open (!)

The big problem that you raise and which has been raised in the media lately is 'what is the end game for the coronavirus policy' as the general population cannot remain in lockdown for 18 months

[Halwes]

I agree Terry that we must have a fantastic virus minimalization plan in place
Fastidiously enforced by stewards as we know that there is a sizeable percentage of the industry that cannot be trusted to do the right thing


Provided that we really are not flirting with doing harm to the state, I think we have to be proactive in declaring our case to be allowed to continue
Children are being encouraged to go to school, Childcare workers are being supported in keeping childcare centres open, Hairdressers are allowed to remain open (!)

The big problem that you raise and which has been raised in the media lately is 'what is the end game for the coronavirus policy' as the general population cannot remain in lockdown for 18 months

Thanks Kevin,

The main point I raise is that a pro health management plan must be presented to the Health Minister super urgently, but after measures in that plan have been implemented at courses, otherwise there is certainty that HR will be shut down.

The second point is that a plan will be required, be mandatory anyway. So getting it in now may mean the industry is not shut down. Not to do so, will be gross negligence.
The CEO and the Board have to get that plan going now. I gave them perhaps the best two organisations who will give them a solution, and do that very rapidly.

The third point is that backpackers will remain the greatest risk for all of us, so HR can continue, should continue but only if that plan is in place.

You can see now politics entering the health debate. What comprehensive, customised, virus mitigation plan is in effect at Randwick, at Rosehill right now? If there isn’t one, or more aptly a comprehensive one, why not? It is because they want the autumn carnival to be completed, that’s all, but pretend they are looking after us.
So the NSW Government’s (for example) top priority is not to look after you and me, it’s not .

What irks me so much is that the CEO and the HRV Board are just spectators, not doing things that look after the fragile Industry, and acting competently and professionally in moments of crisis. The get big money for doing big things, not sitting back as is happening now, doing meaningless things.

[Messenger]

What irks me so much is that the CEO and the HRV Board are just spectators, not doing things that look after the fragile Industry, and acting competently and professionally in moments of crisis. The get big money for doing big things, not sitting back as is happening now.

I don't think that is fair Terry, I don't know everything that the CEO and Board are doing - do you? I think they are working pretty bloody hard

[Halwes]

I don't think that is fair Terry, I don't know everything that the CEO and Board are doing - do you? I think they are working pretty bloody hard

Well, no, are they out there telling the Industry what they are doing, in what could be described as Australia’s greatest crisis in our history, aside from war time. Who doubts that? That is the context, that is the scenario. Press Releases are a show of what they may be working on, an indication of what is in the inbox, and what they are putting all energies into doing.

I haven’t seen press releases, they may be there, and no, I
don’t know, but to me the existential crisis is doing all to stop the Industry shutting down. That’s the a press release I’d be issuing, and already have issued, and I use all resources I had to get that out.

[Messenger]

If you look at all the stories under this link, you will see that they have been pretty busy

https://www.thetrots.com.au/general/covid-19-coverage/

The whole regionalization of the states racing would be massive and although the CEO would not be doing the nitty gritty on that, he would have to be liaising with so many groups and clubs

[Mighty Atom]

Looks like NSW is adopting a no audio call due to COVID-19 policy, shame, no other state is doing this.

[Halwes]

Looks like NSW is adopting a no audio call due to COVID-19 policy, shame, no other state is doing this.

Just not sure what you mean Rod.

[Halwes]

If you look at all the stories under this link, you will see that they have been pretty busy

https://www.thetrots.com.au/general/covid-19-coverage/

The whole regionalization of the states racing would be massive and although the CEO would not be doing the nitty gritty on that, he would have to be liaising with so many groups and clubs

Kevin, I withdraw the heat in my comments, and the heavy handed criticism. My point is that in the link you sent, there is no simple master plan. That plan is their best attempt to have a high quality mitigation Health Prevention and Cleansing Plan prepared by experts and accepted/edited by HRV, the action plan that I enunciated earlier, implemented, then sent to the Minister that demonstrates how the HRV plan IS implementing measures, not just talking about throw away comments of ‘wash your hands’. The plan is a living document, but there.

I’m not sure you understand my concept. The Master Plan prepared by the Consultants on health and cleansing I suggest is for the HRV across all of Vic. The stewards could amend the master for local conditions, but there should not be many.

That’s the proactive way, cancelling meetings may be required one off decision, but the plan I propose is a journey, but a quality journey to safeguarding the industry, to keep it going. The Health Minister can seek further advice, ask for specific changes, but accept the plan because the HRV implemented it. In other words you might not see the draconian decision made by the Tasmanian government.

I strongly suggest that is best way forward. There is a saying In God We Trust, Everyone Else Please Bring Data

[Halwes]

BTW, we’re all confined to barracks tonight and until further notice watching the footy replay. Wouldn’t it be nice to have crossovers to the trots to see miracle mile, a free for all, a standing start with handicaps again, and a quality three old event (the existing schedule cancelled of course).
But no, we can only hope 7 and HRV can do something together, a resurrection around Easter, just like happened over 2000 years ago.

[Messenger]

BTW, we’re all confined to barracks tonight and until further notice watching the footy replay. Wouldn’t it be nice to have crossovers to the trots to see miracle mile, a free for all, a standing start with handicaps again, and a quality three old event (the existing schedule cancelled of course).
But no, we can only hope 7 and HRV can do something together, a resurrection around Easter, just like happened over 2000 years ago.
Diehard harness fans would also love this BUT those that are punters, would/could be watching the trots on their betting ap
All TAB account holders can watch Sky racing online
Foxtel subscribers have Sky of course
Anybody can watch Victorian harness on Trots Vision

https://www.thetrots.com.au/racing/live-trots-vision/

[gutwagon]

I hope each region in Victoria has it's own set of stewards that are isolating themselves between meetings. If we don't they will spread the Wuhan Virus from one region to the next. They were the problem at Bathurst, only luck saved us.

[Messenger]

Nobody is saying that are they?

One side of my brain says that the top drivers might have a picnic, the other says that without their peers there - it might be a bit more unpredictable and trickier

Chris Alford drove 6 of the 8 winners at Cranbourne tonight. 5 were Odds On favs mind you

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=CR050420

[gutwagon]

Not sure where to post about the Vic regional racing, probably needs its own thread.
One thing I am liking about it is that the top 5 stables can't visit every track and collect a big share of the prize money. Locals are now getting all the money. Some people will see this as bad but I think it's good for the industry.
Unfortunately my horse is in the strongest region and she was being aimed at the vic bred series. Who knows what will happen with that ?

[Mytwobobsworth]

I hope each region in Victoria has it's own set of stewards that are isolating themselves between meetings. If we don't they will spread the Wuhan Virus from one region to the next. They were the problem at Bathurst, only luck saved us.


Unfortunately Bendigo and Melton seem to of had a pretty similar panel.
When they first instigated the regional racing I thought it was the best thing hrv had ever done, it was never going to be perfect but these are extreme circumstances and this seemed to be the best way to secure ongoing racing and provide options if there was any outbreak.
I understand they probably can’t correctly staff the number of regions they have split into with separate stewards but then just split into 2 or 3 or 4 regions, whatever they can cover.
How does the system work if you have stewards crossing regions?
One positive from anyone and they have potentially been in contact with either a steward or someone who has been to the stewards room. Therefore 2 or 3 regions are out and im pretty sure if we lose 2 or 3 regions they will call the end for all.

Apparently if you are called before the stewards everyone’s spread out in the room and the door is open where appropriate, but still doesn’t work for me.
Can a driver/trainer refuse to enter the room under health concerns?

You can’t be half pregnant. If they are going to do this it must be done properly.
Im seeing to many holes in the setup.

[Messenger]

Yes John, the panels were nearly identical

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=MX040420

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=BN030420

Let's hope that it is no worse than having 'teams' of stewards that cover no more than 2 regions

So that these guys are doing Bendigo and Melton only

Edit: I suppose we should also look at cross-region use of Mediatec staff (unless they can guarantee they have no contact with anybody else)

[Mytwobobsworth]

I thought of a few of those things but didn’t want to sound to negative.
I can excuse the media folk as i can convince myself they come in super early in the truck and set up before anyone is there and then they shouldn’t have any interaction with anyone. I’m led to believe that some on course photographers have been told they are not essential, would like to think if that happens at one track its a universal call.
My other little one is the race caller, with the one entryway they must enter with the participants therefore are in contact. I might be wrong and it’s not perfect but could they not call from off course using the sky vision?

[aussiebreno]

Loving the ease to do form with more horses having met or met similar horses and all at the same track so times are relative.

Not sure why Wagga has raced 4 times in about 10 days but not complaining.

[Messenger]

I thought of a few of those things but didn’t want to sound to negative.
I can excuse the media folk as i can convince myself they come in super early in the truck and set up before anyone is there and then they shouldn’t have any interaction with anyone. I’m led to believe that some on course photographers have been told they are not essential, would like to think if that happens at one track its a universal call.
My other little one is the race caller, with the one entryway they must enter with the participants therefore are in contact. I might be wrong and it’s not perfect but could they not call from off course using the sky vision?

I don't think that a caller would have to have any contact with participants either. Callers mostly have set tracks that they work so like the stewards you could have it that no caller visits more than 2 regions

[Mytwobobsworth]

If they enter through the same gate and sign in at the same place they will have contact or at least contact the same surfaces.
If so many factors are over 2 regions why not just have say 3 regions. More varied racing and opportunity for horses.

[Messenger]

I think they would consider a few people spread over 2 regions is minuscule risk compared to all participants spread over 2 regions

[aussiebreno]

If they enter through the same gate and sign in at the same place they will have contact or at least contact the same surfaces.
If so many factors are over 2 regions why not just have say 3 regions. More varied racing and opportunity for horses.
Sitting in a car as they go through the gate and there isn't a roll call like high school.

[gutwagon]

Stewards shouldn't be meeting with anyone in a room ! It should all be done via the phone via video calls . Stewards must stay isolated from all participants if they don't have a set of stewards for each region.

This seems very obvious , you can't have any person traveling between regions and coming in contact with people.

If a steward tests + them that whole panel will need to be quarantined for 14 days. They can be replaced and racing continue uninterrupted.
Under the current system if a steward tests + racing would have to stop in each region that steward has visited in the past 14 days !

Bit like the way Police in Victoria are walking around in groups of 4 all next to each other not 1.5 m apart. The virus doesn't care who you are, if everyone doesn't follow the rules we will be stuffed !

[Messenger]

Stewards shouldn't be meeting with anyone in a room ! It should all be done via the phone via video calls . Stewards must stay isolated from all participants if they don't have a set of stewards for each region.

This seems very obvious , you can't have any person traveling between regions and coming in contact with people.

If a steward tests + them that whole panel will need to be quarantined for 14 days. They can be replaced and racing continue uninterrupted.
Under the current system if a steward tests + racing would have to stop in each region that steward has visited in the past 14 days !

Bit like the way Police in Victoria are walking around in groups of 4 all next to each other not 1.5 m apart. The virus doesn't care who you are, if everyone doesn't follow the rules we will be stuffed !

Massive point Rick, let's hope that they are regionalizing them at least to some extent

[Mytwobobsworth]

Sitting in a car as they go through the gate and there isn't a roll call like high school.

Led to believe that at one track in particular everyone is entering the track through the horse entry on foot, then having to fill out a form and have temperature taken, so a lot closer contact than a school roll call.

[Mytwobobsworth]

To me there is no difference between 1 person crossing over or 100.
If they have been in contact with someone who tests positive all regions they have been in are over.

[aussiebreno]

Led to believe that at one track in particular everyone is entering the track through the horse entry on foot, then having to fill out a form and have temperature taken, so a lot closer contact than a school roll call.

I've taken it as a no-brainer the commentators going to multiple regions would be kept seperate from participants. If thats not the case its really poor management.

[Messenger]

To me there is no difference between 1 person crossing over or 100.
If they have been in contact with someone who tests positive all regions they have been in are over.

It is the risk factor, the problem is if someone contracts covid-19. 100 people is 100 chances, 1 person is 1 chance of this happening

[Messenger]

RWWA Harness stakes reduction advice (20%)

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/RWWA-

[gutwagon]

Has anyone been keeping an eye on the turnover figures ? Would be interesting to see if less sports has increased the turnover.
Also be interesting if having fewer races and less 6 horse fields improves turnover .

[aussiebreno]

Has anyone been keeping an eye on the turnover figures ? Would be interesting to see if less sports has increased the turnover.
Also be interesting if having fewer races and less 6 horse fields improves turnover .
Wagga Sunday night there was one race that had about $500 in the pool with about a minute before jump. Probably not the greatest timeslot and NSW don't usually run Sunday night meets so hard to compare but pretty poor.

[Messenger]

I looked at the 2 Shep meets the other night and the next morning. I always look at the Win pool and the First 4 pools as they are the biggest and generally about the same
The night meet went from pools of $2k to about $8k by the last while the morning meet went from pools of $2k to about $5/6k by the last

[Messenger]

Another 4/8 for Chris Alford at Kilmore today

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=KI080420

[Messenger]

Imagine having a 2yo and being in the same region as the Stewart stable (and throw in the Stanley, Tubbs ...), it is a pretty hot region. You cannot travel to avoid them so your opportunities are greatly reduced

[Messenger]

"Generally, a 1 week suspension will equate to a 1 race meeting suspension".

So why the hell are they bothering to make a change

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=43501

[Yabbie]

"Generally, a 1 week suspension will equate to a 1 race meeting suspension".

So why the hell are they bothering to make a change

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=43501


I presume because there may be an occasion where for example, both Ballarat and Melton race in the same week and that would be two meetings.

[Messenger]

Surely the stewards have the race calendar at their finger tips and can see how 'harmful' x weeks is
Sometimes regions have twice as many meetings as another region in a 2 week period

What about the small trainer/driver who does not race that often.
He gets rubbed out for 2 meetings, only misses a week thanks to say a busy Bendigo schedule, a week that he wasn't going to race in anyway
And is back the next week - no real penalty

While the Stawell/Terang replica of this trainer gets 2 meetings and misses 2 weeks

These examples can be found in the April calendar

It is unfair if they are not checking the calendar to make the penalty a fair penalty and therefore whether they state the penalty in weeks or meets is somewhat irrelevant - just saying they could have left it as it was

[Messenger]

5 wins and 2 placings to Greg Sugars at Melton tonight (only 3 were Stewart horses)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX180420

How is it that Menangle can still be NSW's 'metro' track - aren't there metro class horses outside that region who are missing out?

[djgood]

5 wins and 2 placings to Greg Sugars at Melton tonight (only 3 were Stewart horses)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX180420

How is it that Menangle can still be NSW's 'metro' track - aren't there metro class horses outside that region who are missing out?

There are trainers with Trotters who cant get to Menangle now , at least 8 in hunter valley ,some of which are now in paddock as they will not put races on at Newcastle for them

[Messenger]

Paul Campbell has posted the drivers' colours for Bendigo on facebook

https://www.facebook.com/298356937657519/posts/699871394172736/?d=n

[Messenger]

Elliminyt is in the West region because it is only an hour from Terang (1½hrs to Ballarat was the alternative, I suppose) but it was worth the 2½hrs trip to Stawell (paired with Terang) for Julie Brimacombe as her infamous Hook Eye Joh (see link) notched up his 2nd win in fine style

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/lucky-joh-post-catches-eye-saves-a-life/

[Adaptor]

The disaster ot the world wide Spanich Influenza epidemic of 1919 had repercussions:

From John Peck:
Back in 1919 when they first tried to create Anzac Day it was cancelled due to the Spanish influenza.

Trotting in Victoria was also cancelled for a couple of weeks:-

BALLARAT TC 08-02-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

COBRAM 08-02-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

GUNBOWER 12-02-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

CHARLTON 13-02-1919 cancelled due to flu epidemic

KIEWA 14-02-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

DIMBOOLA 19-02-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

BIRCHIP 19-02-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

KERANG 19-02-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

NATHALIA 19-02-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

SPRINGHURST 19-02-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

PURRUMBETE SOUTH 22-02-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

SEBASTIAN 22-02-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

CONDAH & DISTRICT TC 22-02-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

KATAMATITE 22-02-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

AVOCA 26-02-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

WARRACKNABEAL 26-02-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

DOOKIE 26-02-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

ROCHESTER 27-02-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

COBDEN 01-03-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

HORSHAM 01-03-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

ORBOST 04-03-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

ST ARNAUD 05-03-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

GIPPSLAND TC (MORWELL) 06-03-1919 *cancelled due to influenza ban*

[gutwagon]

I think in 2 more weeks it will be time to go back to normal race programing. Keep the hygiene practices and no crowds of course. Lets not ruin the feature races like the Vicbred and breeders crown.

Might be worth looking at having 2 or 3 regional races on every card just to give local trainers and drivers a chance at getting some prize money. It has to be better for the future of the industry to spread the money out more evenly.

[Messenger]

Ray Chaplin has produced an analysis of Regional Racing in Vic so far which includes:

Inner West (Melton& Ballarat) $676,000 stakes allocated (including 15 x $12,000 races)
Central (Bendigo) $495,500 stakes allocated (including 5 x $12,000 races)
East (Kilmore & Cranbourne) $440,000 stakes allocated (including 3 x $12,000 races)
North West (Shepparton) $355,000 (including 4 x $12,000 races)
North West (Mildura) $321,000 (including 4 x $12,000 races)
West (Terang & Stawell) $319,000 (including 6 x $12,000 races)

The top 3 regions have been allocated $1,611,000 or 62% of the total $2,606,000 stake money allocated for April 2020 whilst the bottom three regions have been allocated $995,000 or 38%

The top 3 regions ran 23 $12,000 races (62%) whilst the bottom three ran 14 (38%)

One of the key concerns is that many participants are unable to race their good horses for many of the $12,000 events due to the regional racing model and its restrictions which prohibits same


Possibly the regions should not be all the same as these geographical groupings may have very different size horse populations and very different classes of horses
(A bit like Council Shires eg Horsham shire is half the land size of neighbouring Yarriambiack shire but Horsham has twice the population)

The above figures are only up until April 24 so that after last night and projecting to the end of the month (Regional racing started on April 2)
Inner West will have had 19 $12k races
but the West (who is last for prizemoney in the above article) will have had 8 $12k races (second most)


This is wrong - Ray's figures were until the end of the month
Let's trust there is method/reason behind these differences

[gutwagon]

Yes the regions would have to include every track, and probably 4 regions. I think we need to stop the top 10 trainers taking around 80% of the money.

[Messenger]

I think we could have got away with 3 regions Rick

1 Inner Central and East: Melton, Geelong, Kilmore, Cranbourne and Warragul
2 Ballarat and everything West but only as North as Horsham
3 Bendigo and everything North of it along the Calder all the way to Mildura plus Shepparton

It would have created the possibility of strong meetings/races in all 3 regions and therefore a more even spread of prizemoney
At the time it would have been criticized for the potential loss of one third of the state for a couple of weeks if a Covid case presented but as it turns out there has been none (that we have heard of)

I agree with you that regional racing could be all over soon and I could see June 1 being a likely date provided the virus stays under wraps in Oz

[Messenger]

It is too late to change the regions, as I have suggested above
BUT not too late to combine some to make 3 stronger regions
Let's combine
1. Bendigo + Stawell-Terang + Mildura (Central + West + North West)
2 Shepparton + Cranbourne-Kilmore (North East + East)
3 Ballarat-Melton (Inner West) stays as is
It would be easy to do and could be brought in almost immediately as a preliminary step towards a return to normal racing

[aussiebreno]

Not a criticism of anything in the slightest because its just the situation we're in but LOL @ NR70s in Shep having to race Lochinvar Art every week! Not that connections would be laughing.

[Messenger]

Noel has been keeping stats on his beloved Bendigo

For the month of April Bendigo hosted 7 meets and 56 races
53 races were won by 29 different Bendigo district trainers (3 by Maryborough district trainers)
Other than the Disqualified One (my words not Noel's) who won 9, no other trainer won more than 4

16 different Drivers (15 from the Bendigo district) won races but Ashwood, Tormey and Lakey won 29 of the 56

It does seem that Regional racing is spreading the winnings here

[Adaptor]

Noel has been keeping stats on his beloved Bendigo

For the month of April Bendigo hosted 7 meets and 56 races
53 races were won by 29 different Bendigo district trainers (3 by Maryborough district trainers)
Other than the Disqualified One (my words not Noel's) who won 9, no other trainer won more than 4

16 different Drivers (15 from the Bendigo district) won races but Ashwood, Tormey and Lakey won 29 of the 56

It does seem that Regional racing is spreading the winnings here

And apologies from me..so much racing at Bendigo that I left out the whole of the meeting stats for April 27.
So

For the month of April Bendigo hosted 8 meets and 64 races
61 races were won by 29 different Bendigo district trainers (3 by Maryborough district trainers)

Douglas won 10, no other trainer won more than 4
Shaun McNaulty 4
Kate Hargreaves 4
Gary Donaldson 3
Keith Cotchin 3
Trevor Patching 3


15 different Drivers won races but Ashwood, Tormey and Lakey won 32 of the 56..Ashwood13, Tormey 10, Lakey 9.

Sorry for the confusion....

[Messenger]

Very small fields at Melton tonight
6, 7, 6, 5, 8 (max), 8 (max), 7, 6.

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX020520

While at Menangle 10 in every bar one which has 9

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PC020520

[Messenger]

HRNSW are reducing prizemoney by 20%
I wonder whether they considered just reducing Menangle instead

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/HRNSW-prizemoney-and-operational-cost-reductions

[aussiebreno]

HRNSW are reducing prizemoney by 20%
I wonder whether they considered just reducing Menangle instead

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/HRNSW-prizemoney-and-operational-cost-reductions

Menangle prizemoney is largely derived by NSWHRC not HRNSW.

[Messenger]

Menangle prizemoney is largely derived by NSWHRC not HRNSW.

Not having one funding body is far from ideal IMO
(Hey Brenno are you watching Trots Vision tonight - fantastic)

[aussiebreno]

Not having one funding body is far from ideal IMO
(Hey Brenno are you watching Trots Vision tonight - fantastic)

I've barely ever watched it tbh. Multi tasking a couple things on my laptop like last minute form reading and wanting to watch Wagga and Menangle so it doesn't really suit me. Even with the gallops I will just watch Sky 1 rather than the other dedicated channels.

[Messenger]

It just goes to show why we need choices, I hate Sky 1 (it may be ok if they got rid of the dogs)
There is certainly plenty of form info being aired on Vision

[Messenger]

Michael Guerin on NSW's prizemoney reduction referring to Club Menangle:

CM cut stakes by 20 per cent and reduced the stake for the Miracle Mile from A$1million to A$600,000 for next season.
They will still retain a A$30,000 race at every Saturday night meeting because that triggers a higher Race Fields percentage from corporate bookmakers for the whole card, which means CM make more money having that $30,000 race than reducing it by say $10,000 to add $2000 to five other races.

Menangle boss Bruce Christison was as disappointed as anybody in announcing the cuts to stakes and said while the Miracle Mile deserves to be A$1million his club couldn’t maintain that and then cut lower grade stakes more.

http://www.harnesslink.com/International/Reduction-in-NSW-stake-money

I am assuming they have the figures to support this. I find the stated benefit of a $30k race somewhat surprising, I thought about keeping an eye on their turnover (particularly the $30k race) but they are talking about Corporate Bookmakers

Answer found in earlier article: "The retention of the $30,000 race is important as the race meeting is then classified as premium status, which attracts a much higher return through the racefields revenue.

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Club-Menangle-reacts-to-the-impact-of-COVID-19

[Messenger]

https://nationaltrotguide.com.au/request-submitted-to-defer-time-honoured-championship/

It seems a month or two too early to cancel in my book

The Inter was not due to start until November 28

[Showgrounds]

I am not a conspiracy theorist, but I have serious doubts as to how well Menangle is travelling financially and its ability to fund the series. Stakemoney for run of the mill races there have effectively been cut since the day the track opened.

[Messenger]

Vic field size to increase to 10 and more news later this week (I hope it is reducing regions to 3 - see post 134)

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/hrv-to-increase-field-sizes-to-10-from-thursday/

[Messenger]

It is too late to change the regions, as I have suggested above
BUT not too late to combine some to make 3 stronger regions
Let's combine
1. Bendigo + Stawell-Terang + Mildura (Central + West + North West)
2 Shepparton + Cranbourne-Kilmore (North East + East)
3 Ballarat-Melton (Inner West) stays as is
It would be easy to do and could be brought in almost immediately as a preliminary step towards a return to normal racing

They didn't pick the same regions but we are going to 3 regions on May 24

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/july-1-target-date-for-metro-and-feature-racing-to-resume/

And the 19/20 season is extended until the end of the calendar year

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=43718

[Beltane]

Inter Dominion 2020: all is not lost as organisers confident event can go ahead despite NSW call to postpone the daily Telegraph reported on 13th May:

All is This year’s Inter Dominion has a heartbeat again.

Just days after NSW officials formally requested harness racing’s marquee event be postponed for 12 months, the Inter Dominion Event Committee (IDEC) has vowed to do “everything it can” to ensure the series is run this year.

“The Inter Dominion is the biggest brand the sport has and vitally important, it’s absolutely IDEC’s want to have it run annually rather than postpone it,” IDEC chairman Michael Taranto said.

“Yes, Harness Racing NSW and the NSW Harness Racing Club have requested a postponement, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be an Inter Dominion in 2020.

“We have options, starting with talking to the other two parties involved in the current hosting roster, Harness Racing Victoria and Harness Racing NZ, to see if they have interest in hosting it instead.

“Beyond that, we can go outside of those in the current roster … we’ve had interest expressed from Racing Queensland and other parties in WA.

“Even NSW may not be out of the question because we could look at other funding options.

“The key is, it’s premature and maybe even erroneous to say there won’t be an Inter Dominion this year. IDEC will do everything it can to see if we can have one.”

Under the current roster, NSW was host this year’s series in November/December, but cited the “impact and uncertainty of COVID” as driving reasons for requesting a postponement.

Harness Racing Victoria hosted the series in 2018 and is due to do so again in 2021.

Taranto said IDEC was due to meet again this week to further explore options and added a deadline of cementing Inter Dominion of June 30 was likely.

“Some may say that’s too late, but it’s still almost five months before the series is due to be run and, given the circumstances, still plenty of time for everyone to plan around it,” he said.

“I don’t think this is something we can make a snap decision about, the Inter Dominion is too important to the industry.”

[Messenger]

It will be good when we can get back to normal - some serious offenders are winning way more than they should in their little regions

[Showgrounds]

It will be good when we can get back to normal - some serious offenders are winning way more than they should in their little regions

Like Bendigo?

[Messenger]

Both today's meets

[Messenger]

The 3 regions begin at Bendigo tomorrow night
Brian Gath has as many drives as Chris Alford (6 each)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN250520

[Messenger]

A holiday tomorrow.
What happened to the scheduled Ballarat meet?

[aussiebreno]

A holiday tomorrow.
What happened to the scheduled Ballarat meet?

Lack of noms

[Messenger]

Really - that is a worry for a central location like Ballarat (or were there Stewart noms scaring others off?)

[Messenger]

We need to open up the Mildura region so that Asbestos Anderson stops collecting $6,840 a week
Since April 24 Bernie Winkle has won $34,200

[Messenger]

Small fields and only 7 races again at Melton on Saturday night (and no morning meet stealing them this week)
Maybe stables want bigger stakes to give up their Saturday nights?

[Messenger]

https://nationaltrotguide.com.au/request-submitted-to-defer-time-honoured-championship/

It seems a month or two too early to cancel in my book

The Inter was not due to start until November 28
There was some talk of NZ or another state putting it on but it is definitely off

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=43889

[hugdon]

Such a pity

[Messenger]

I sort of knew that things must be getting back to normal in July because within the story

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/victoria-to-strengthen-friday-saturday-meets-prior-to-july-1/

about strengthening the last of the regional meets, I saw a link to the Feature Race List (this should have been a story in itself IMO)

https://www.thetrots.com.au/general/the-harness-directory/feature-race-list/

and they start July 4
But I must have missed the media release about the end of the regions (still cannot find it)
But I heard it on WIN Ballarat news tonight so that is good :)

[Messenger]

There was some talk of NZ or another state putting it on but it is definitely off

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=43889

BUT maybe our eyes (and horses) will be able to turn to Perth

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=43925

[Messenger]

So when will we be once again allowed to attend a trots meet?
With the announcement that stadiums with a capacity of <40,000 will be allowed to host 25% capacity, what does it mean for the trots?
Anybody heard anything?

[aussiebreno]

So when will we be once again allowed to attend a trots meet?
With the announcement that stadiums with a capacity of <40,000 will be allowed to host 25% capacity, what does it mean for the trots?
Anybody heard anything?

NSW have just started letting owners in and members in. Owners get first crack and must register beforehand with the club, then it gets opened up to members. Capped at a certain number which escapes me right now.

[Messenger]

Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) is on track to move out of region-based racing on July 1 (next Wednesday) and has set July 13 as the target date to resume racing at all Victorian tracks.

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/on-track-for-metro-and-feature-racing-to-resume-in-vic-from-july-1/

I reckon the spike in Victoria's virus cases is still a fair chance of ruining this

[Messenger]

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/revised-victorian-racing-calendar-released/

Although they say

HRV is monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic daily, adhering to all Government advice and protocol, and has not ruled out reverting to a regional racing model if it is deemed to be in the best interest of the industry.

You would think that to be safe not sorry they should do it now instead of releasing this calendar

If you look at the postcode map, Melton 3337 is pretty close to Locked down 3038

https://maps-melbourne.com/melbourne-postcode-map

[Messenger]

Not just Melbourne metro locked down which includes Melton but also Mitchell Shire - Kilmore

[gutwagon]

All the Metro gallop tracks are in the lock down area, I bet they continue to race. It would be considered as going to work and the gov needs the taxes.

[Messenger]

I am not worried about the track as such Rick but more the trainers and drivers. I think we should revert back to being smarter than the gallops. By not having all our trainers and drivers coming in contact with each other - a covid 19 case need only lockdown 20-25% of our participants. If say Chris Alford is driving at the majority of our tracks and he comes down with it - how many people have to isolate?

[Mytwobobsworth]

Back to regional as of tomorrow.
Slightly different set up.

[Messenger]

The regions for the next six weeks will be known as Regional (consisting of Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, Stawell, Terang), Melbourne and Surrounds (Cranbourne, Kilmore, Melton) and North-West (Mildura). HRV will continue to race only at the nine clubs that have been hosting race meetings since April. As per the recent regional models, participants will not be allowed to race outside of their region for the duration of the regional period.

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/victoria-to-re-enter-regional-model-after-tightening-of-restrictions/

Regional not Melton would seem to be the centrepiece under this model (Melton, Cranbourne and Kilmore a bit too close to Melbourne and the virus?)

[Adaptor]

The regions for the next six weeks will be known as Regional (consisting of Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, Stawell, Terang), Melbourne and Surrounds (Cranbourne, Kilmore, Melton) and North-West (Mildura). HRV will continue to race only at the nine clubs that have been hosting race meetings since April. As per the recent regional models, participants will not be allowed to race outside of their region for the duration of the regional period.

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/victoria-to-re-enter-regional-model-after-tightening-of-restrictions/

Regional not Melton would seem to be the centrepiece under this model (Melton, Cranbourne and Kilmore a bit too close to Melbourne and the virus?)

I could be mistaken, but of the 10 leading stables, all except Andy Gath are in Regional areas... Stewart, Aitken, Lillee, Tubbs, etc etc.

[Mytwobobsworth]

Looks as though everyone is in the regional.
Can see Melbourne only racing once every week or 2 and still struggling to fill a full meeting. Only have your regular small-medium Kilmore and cranbourne trainers and a tiny few horses trained in metro Melbourne.

[Mytwobobsworth]

And struggling for drivers.

[Messenger]

I suppose it makes sense to isolate the Melbourne Metro and Kilmore just as the lockdown has done. With 3 distinct areas - even if 2 are minor, you would think that racing could continue even if 1 whole area had to be locked down

[Messenger]

A problem with regionalization can be field quality
There is no way that the R5 trot at Melton today that saw Imperial Whiz an Odds On favourite was anywhere near $20k quality

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX120720#MXC12072006

[Showgrounds]

A problem with regionalization can be field quality
There is no way that the R5 trot at Melton today that saw Imperial Whiz an Odds On favourite was anywhere near $20k quality

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX120720#MXC12072006

Danny Mullan won't be complaining.

[Mytwobobsworth]

Same bloke doing temperature checks on the gate at Terang last night also doing Mildura today.
Am i the only one that thinks that’s ridiculous?
Whats the point of having them as a separate zone.

[Messenger]

How did you find that out John?

[Mytwobobsworth]

The bloke (“Bakes”) has it on Twitter, I see someone has had a shot at him on there, he has comeback saying he is essential raceday medical.
Why cross the zones? Surely someone in the north can do that job.

[Messenger]

I am thinking he would have had to be on the gate at Terang until 8.30pm at the earliest (having got there around 4.30pm) and then at Mildura by 10am at the latest (and stay until at least 3pm). The trip between the two is 5.5hrs
I figure he would have been lucky to get 7hrs sleep before hitting the road. If driving time is included in his work hours he is probably working 14.5hrs (more if driving home is included) in the space of 22.5hrs. I wonder where he lives?

The shires that Terang and Mildura are in, both have 0 active Covid 19 cases at present - you couldn't blame the people of these shires for not wanting people from outside their shires coming in

[Messenger]

Why would a 45NR be nominated for a 70-120 Metro trot
Hmmm
Any chance it was to make the field stand up for the stablemate?

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX240720#MXC24072007

[Mytwobobsworth]

That sort of thing doesn’t happen.
And im sure something unfortunate must have happened for it to be scratched.

[Mytwobobsworth]

Melton off tonight?

[Messenger]

Certainly is John

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/tabcorp-park-melton-meeting-postponed/

“A hospitality staff member from Tabcorp Park has tested positive to COVID-19. This individual we believe has no direct contact with harness racing participants or racing staff,” HRV CEO Dayle Brown said.

[Messenger]

Amongst the stipulations

From tomorrow night (Saturday July 25) all drivers will be required to wear a face mask for all post-race interviews at all racetracks.

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/important-updated-covid-19-info-for-participants/

There goes my enjoyment of TrotsVision - Being profoundly deaf, I have developed a habit of reading lips, although I shouldn't need to (what with a cochlear implant) - I do.
I cannot see why the correct distance between interviewer and interviewee should not be sufficient - as it is in other televised sport

ps Wouldn't it be enough to mask the interviewer. We don't see them and like all press conferences it is not even essential to hear the question, for familiar voices like Rob Auber I don't have a problem/need to see his lips

[Messenger]

I am pleased to say that as a result of me emailing our CEO Dayle Brown, he has had Cody email me and someone call me (Apologies if this was you too Cody, but deaf people are not very good on the phone especially when walking up a mountain) and the directive has been clarified:

From tomorrow night (Saturday July 25) all drivers will be required during post-race interviews to have a mask in their possession. Drivers are exempt from wearing a mask during a post-race interview, but must wear a mask immediately upon the conclusion of the interview.

Thanks

[Messenger]

I missed pre Race 1 so I don't know if they did any interviews but the first winning driver masked up :confused:
The interviewer made some noises that sounded like he was waiting for him to mask up - hopefully they will get the news soon :(

[Messenger]

Hooray Team - Chris Alford knew he did not have to mask up for his interview after winning R2

[Messenger]

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/kilmore-meeting-postponed/

IMO it is hard to know why Kilmore would need to be postponed because of a Melton Tabaret staff member - unless "HRV is awaiting further test results" relates to a harness participant?

[Messenger]

Can a combined 2yo & 3yo pace work at Mildura when we don't have Stand Starts anymore so that they can get a 30m start
You have to feel for Union King - the sole 2yo in the race

[Messenger]

It might be time to make more regions again
With figures changing, all of country Vic (bar Mildura) in one region is looking too big
Bendigo's numbers are creeping up (19), they need to be kept separate from Shep whose current number of cases is only 1
Similarly Terang/Hamilton/Stawell/Ararat who all have 1 or 0 cases need to be kept safe from Horsham and Ballarat who are right now at crucial points of either going into serious double figures or dropping/staying at single figures

https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-update-victoria-31-july-2020

[Messenger]

Regional racing throws up some unusual ones
eg A Melton treble to John Justice with his only 3 starters for the night
A Melton trifecta to Lance Justice with his only 3 starters for the night

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX310720

[Messenger]

I caught a bit of the Premier's 'new measures' press conference and there was some talk about what industries are Essential services - more news to come but I would not be confident that racing will be allowed to continue what with it seeing people moving around the state. Only chance I see is super strict regional racing like we have at Mildura now. So Ballarat meet for Ballarat region only. Bendigo meet for Bendigo region only. Maryborough meet ...... I see Maryborough are scheduled for tomorrow (I must have missed that we were increasing the number of tracks we use). I cannot see Melton being allowed to race. Maybe I am being a pessimist

[gutwagon]

Considering HRV and participants have had 0 cases of the virus I don't see why it needs to stop. But Dan is more about punishing people so who knows.

[Messenger]

I have to agree to disagree Rick - I think Dan is doing an incredible job but Vics are letting him down.
It would seem that we have had no cases but would you trust everybody to be doing the right thing?
Sorry but I am still getting over reading the latest Integrity Matters (does it?) which paints such a rosesy picture of Rod Weightman

You should see how many tourists we have had in town on the weekend - supposedly all from Regional Vic?
I was hoping we would go to Stage 3 then they cannot come.
You have to feel for the 4 shires that have no cases and have NEVER had a case (and the other dozen who do not have a case at present)
But sheez, I even saw a Car Club roll into town today (Lotuses I think!) and as I walked past the pedestrian crossing I counted 30 people cross in one go (we have a permanent population of around 300)

[gutwagon]

Well isn't it Dans job to stop those tourists coming to your town ?

I guess we will find out this afternoon if racing will continue.

[Messenger]

He has now given the police something that is possible for them to handle/enforce - Stage 3 from Wednesday, sadly for businesses it means no more tourists from anywhere so that makes policing pretty easy. No proof of address, working or caring then it is goodbye

[Messenger]

Today's Maryborough harness meeting has been postponed as a precautionary measure due to a potential COVID-19 close contact. HRV will provide further detail as soon as possible today. #TheTrots

from HRV facebook

[Messenger]

Speculation raged about what a tighter lockdown in Melbourne and regional areas would mean on the three codes of racing, but Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed at his press conference on Monday that the industry would be allowed to proceed for the foreseeable future.

https://www.punters.com.au/news/victorian-racing-gets-green-light-in-stage-4_192308/

[Messenger]

The detail:

HRV cancelled the Maryborough meeting immediately after being made aware of a potential participant COVID-19 close contact shortly before the first race.
....................
After enquiring into the circumstances surrounding the participant who is a potential close contact, four people were identified as having had some incidental contact with this participant in recent days. The four individuals will not attend race meetings or interact with industry participants until the test result from the potential close contact is known. The potential close contact and the four individuals did not attend Maryborough today.

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/harness-racing-to-resume-at-shepparton/

[gutwagon]

Does anyone understand the reason Maryborough was cancelled ? If none of the people that were exposed to a "close contact" were at the track why was there any risk ? Am I missing something ?

[Messenger]

Today's presser from Dan Andrews:

"More than 800 of those homes, the person who should have been isolating could not be found."

People are animals that you cannot trust

[Mighty Atom]

Melton had 11 cases of COVID19 the last time I looked very low in an area of 68,000 people so Melton Harness racing safe for the time being but if it starts to spike? Alternative racing venues like Bendigo 22 active COVID19 cases and Ballarat which has been given a warning and is in stage 3 restrictions at the moment could be in jeopardy too lets's hope not.

[Messenger]

You must have looked a very long time ago Rod
Yesterday Melton was listed as 404 active cases

https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-update-victoria-4-august-2020

[Messenger]

Friday's Melton meet had become a day meet with $20k metro races being run between 3.53pm and 5.07pm
Why so?

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX070820

Mildura is now the night meet

Edit: It is because of the 8pm curfew on Metro Melbourne
I suppose it could be argued that they are going to work but we really must be seen to be doing everything possible if we want racing to continue

[Messenger]

7/9 excellent races to look forward to at Ballarat on Saturday

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BA080820

[Messenger]

They have already abandoned tonight's Mildura meet (was to be daytime until swap with Melton)
The BOM website is saying they have had 12mm of rain so far today. That is a half inch in old terms - once you might have expected tracks to handle that

[Messenger]

I am pleased to say that as a result of me emailing our CEO Dayle Brown, he has had Cody email me and someone call me (Apologies if this was you too Cody, but deaf people are not very good on the phone especially when walking up a mountain) and the directive has been clarified:

From tomorrow night (Saturday July 25) all drivers will be required during post-race interviews to have a mask in their possession. Drivers are exempt from wearing a mask during a post-race interview, but must wear a mask immediately upon the conclusion of the interview.

Thanks

I am not sure that this is common knowledge. Sure, drivers have the prerogative to wear one if they wish but the way Kate Gath kept pulling up her scarf after her R4 win at Ballarat tonight, you got the impression that she thought she had to

[gutwagon]

The drivers don't seem to know that the mask must also cover your nose. Even on the track some seem to have their noses uncovered. See many people in Melbourne with the mask only over their mouth. Drives me mad. I personally don't think the masks do anything to stop the virus but at least wear them properly.

[Messenger]

I have been sent this short clip to help convince you Rick :o

https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Fvideo%2Fcoronavi rus-mask-effective-video%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7C4164c5d06959429f2cf208d83c1646fe %7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C6373 25413658620858&sdata=2gLTST%2BgIGqcgVp5avQOBj35CenTNr3tTkLykFe0Sa o%3D&reserved=0

[gutwagon]

I've seen those videos Kevin, I'm basing it on the fact that our new infection numbers have not decreased since masks were compulsory. Health workers wear them plus more protection and are still catching it. The states in the US where the most masks are worn have the highest case numbers.
The CHO says they can reduce infections by 15%. That's surgical masks when fitted and used correctly and replaced every 4 hours. In my opinion it's a lot of hassle and inconvenience for a possible >15% reduction.
Anyway I wear one just to avoid the fines and dirty looks !

[Messenger]

I really think we should be going back to smaller regions

NW Mildura on its own still
W Ararat to Horsham down to Hamilton and Terang W
Metro as it is now Melton, Kilmore and Cranbourne
Bendigo and surrounds
Shep and surrounds
Ballarat and Geelong

Some regions are seeing their active cases going up and I think we should derisk in case one has to shutdown
At present we have all of country Vic apart from Mildura in one region. People from virtually all over the state are attending the same meets

Shep numbers are up a bit to 9 active (was 1 when I posted a week or so ago see post 192)
Ballarat = 17 their highest
and Bendigo is a scary 57 = it is the worry and is the one that really needs to be isolated like a Mildura scenario if these numbers go higher (Mildura is VG with only 1 active case)

You could wait 2 weeks and see if things don't improve as they are expected to in Melbourne or you can get on the front foot - which is what we have done up until now
Remembering any decision to change takes at least a week to enact

[Messenger]

Can a combined 2yo & 3yo pace work at Mildura when we don't have Stand Starts anymore so that they can get a 30m start
You have to feel for Union King - the sole 2yo in the race

Well 3 out of the field of 10 were 2yo's tonight and they ran 1st and 3rd and the other one started $1.40 fav

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=ML100820#MLC07082008

[Showgrounds]

Well 3 out of the field of 10 were 2yo's tonight and they ran 1st and 3rd and the other one started $1.40 fav

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=ML100820#MLC07082008

It's pretty common over the ditch to have 2 year olds race against open age horses, particularly late in the season. Remember, Australian 2 year olds will still be that age on New Year's Eve.

[Messenger]

The regions for the next six weeks will be known as Regional (consisting of Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, Stawell, Terang), Melbourne and Surrounds (Cranbourne, Kilmore, Melton) and North-West (Mildura). HRV will continue to race only at the nine clubs that have been hosting race meetings since April. As per the recent regional models, participants will not be allowed to race outside of their region for the duration of the regional period.

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/victoria-to-re-enter-regional-model-after-tightening-of-restrictions/

Regional not Melton would seem to be the centrepiece under this model (Melton, Cranbourne and Kilmore a bit too close to Melbourne and the virus?)

Hell No
Looking at fields for Kilmore tomorrow
The 6wks of regions is over and it is open slather!

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=KI160820

EDIT - WRONG Kilmore is not grouped with Melton, there were no Melton trainers/drivers at this meet

[Messenger]

Not only is it open slather/non-regional racing but the precautionary pre 8pm finishes (eg Melton) are no longer as Kilmore is in Stage 4 lockdown being in Mitchell shire but tonight's meet finishes at 9pm

EDIT - WRONG Mitchell shire stayed at Stage 3

[Mytwobobsworth]

Are you sure Kilmore is still under stage 4 restrictions? I was led to believe the Mitchell Shire was now stage 3 and thats why they are back into the country region with everyone else.

[Messenger]

Yes you are right John, they rightly kept Mitchell at Stage 3 as they don't have as many cases as some other regional shires

[Messenger]

Sadly this just reinforces my belief that not everybody in the industry can be trusted to do the right thing. Let's face it, if people cheat in the way that some do - lying about Covid contacts etc etc are not even going to be little white lies to them (not referring specifically to the two mention in the following link)

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=44681

[Messenger]

We are coming out of it
Here is the link to the feature race calendar

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/hrv-releases-revised-feature-race-calendar/

[Messenger]

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/owners-update-hrv-vhrc-exploring-options-for-safe-return/

Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) and the Victorian Harness Racing Club (VHRC) have been working with industry groups to explore a safe way for owners to get back on track for race night.

I hope this extends to everybody in the not too distant future. So many meets struggle to have 200 attendees and a racecourse has plenty of room to distance them

[Messenger]

It is fairly ridiculous that regional Victorians could not attend Maryborough today - even if it was limited to regional owners

Long Weekend and all (unofficial I know), Halls Gap had a packed farmers market today - how can a couple of hundred people spread around a racecourse be any different

[Messenger]

Charlton Harness instead of Yarra Glen on Cup Day
A strange program with only 6 races, the first at 10.37 and the last at 1.47 (45mins between last 2 races - lucky no crowd)

[Messenger]

It is hard to tell what Racecourses come under ( non seated Outdoor or seated Outdoor)
If I can go to the zoo why can't I go to the trots?
Surely by Nov 23 at the latest (next date earmarked for Vic covid announcement is 22nd)

[Showgrounds]

It is hard to tell what Racecourses come under ( non seated Outdoor or seated Outdoor)
If I can go to the zoo why can't I go to the trots?
Surely by Nov 23 at the latest (next date earmarked for Vic covid announcement is 22nd)

Don't push it brother, you are talking common sense! In Victoria, that could mean a knock on the door!

[Messenger]

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/hrv-statement-on-owners-returning-to-the-races/

Beaten by the gallops again

[Messenger]

A maximum of 30 owners per race (two per horse) will be permitted with pre-registration required to enable contact tracing. In satisfying other protocols, Melton and HRV may not be able to welcome the maximum number of owners for each race.
Attending owners will be restricted to a designated area of the racecourse and will not be able to attend any other areas of the facility, including the horse stalls and hospitality areas.
Managing owners will receive information on how to register via email and text message and HRV and Tabcorp Park Melton will work with owners to ensure protocols are clear ahead of the Friday night and Saturday night.

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/breeders-crown-update-on-owners-attending-tabcorp-park/

Better than nothing
HRV will have to get their skates on as we are talking about tomorrow night

[Showgrounds]

So, you can go watch your horse race if you are lucky. But you can't go look at your horse. Or talk face to face with the trainer or driver. And it reads like you bring your own Thermos and Jatz crackers. But you do get to pay the bills!

Great to see HRV bending over backwards for the owners!

[Messenger]

In the detail of today's easing of restrictions, I still cannot see Racecourses
Can we have 25%?
Can we have 50% (of seated capacity) up to 500?
Or do we have to have a Covid Safe plan first?

https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions-roadmaps

Can I go to Ararat trots on Wednesday night?

(Come on now - 50 people can go to a brothel)

[Messenger]

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/industry-note-updated-covid-19-protocols/

Is this all? (no unlicenced people on course!)

People are doing just about anything and everything and we can't get people on course - even outside only?!

The clubs that have pokies probably have someone on every second pokie machine now and people having meals or coffee or drinks

[Showgrounds]

Pathetic. Does anybody from HRV actually represent it's constituents or has it just become another arm of an incompetent government?

I think I know the answer.

Pathetic.

[Messenger]

I think the answer may lie in the government's requirement for venues to have a Covid Safe Plan. I gather from a racing article in The Age sports pages today (quoting the racing minister) that the clubs/organizations must have quite a lot of boxes they need to tick off for first of all 500 on course and thereafter 5000. The minister did make it sound like it may be imminent and the article was wondering whether the coming weekend's regional meets were a chance of being allowed a crowd
Let's face it - the requirements must be strenuous when you hear of annual events scheduled for Feb next year having been cancelled (local TV news)
It seems unbelievable when there is not a case in the state. Maybe it is that scary or the fact that the government literally cannot afford another wave

[Yabbie]

Having attended a local football club AGM last night in a community centre, I now have a better understanding of the onerous requirements required by councils etc. Racing is considered a public event with both indoor and outdoor facilities which must both have explicit covid plans. And each track must have its own plan (not a blanket one across the whole industry). So it's not quite as straightforward as we all probably think. I'm sure HRV are doing their best - they are certainly well aware of the push from owners and fans to attend meetings. Fingers crossed we will be on track very soon. Just need to a little more patient (yes I know it's hard and I am missing being on track as much as everyone!)

[Messenger]

Noel alerted me to this Bendigo Harness facebook post as an indicator of how hard it is to get people back to the track

https://www.facebook.com/626100390794544/posts/4651756274895582/?d=n

I would hope that they have some inkling that there is going to be an easing of government restrictions (to go to all this trouble)

[Showgrounds]

So, Bendigo trots is the place to go if you are really desperate for a sit down feed. No go if you want to go to the trots to watch horses.

I ask again, does HRV exist to represent it's constituents or is it just sitting on its hands bowing to its political masters? This cannot continue.

[Messenger]

I agree Trevor that it seems ridiculous. All the pubs, cafes and restaurants that are open again have not all had to submit individual covid plans. Racecourse are being penalized for the fact that we DON’T actually have to bunch everyone in together – we have all this open outdoor space which makes us safer!

[Messenger]

Rob Auber saying that we can have 500 on track from December 1 so maybe Terang?

[Messenger]

Bendigo still confident but no government confirmation yet (table bookings until 10am tomorrow, not sure about other 'Take Away' as there is a typo on the poster)

https://www.facebook.com/bendigo.harness/photos/a.628019627269287/4669919069745969/?type=3

The weather should be perfect

[Messenger]

"A calendar of meetings and their availability to the public will be published on thetrots.com.au and club social media channels and websites in coming days and weeks."

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/harness-clubs-can-apply-to-host-crowds-under-covidsafe-protocols/

In so many cases it seems ridiculous overkill. If you want to please the government you could just have outdooor attendance with no indoors areas open other than toilets
What difference is it to me going shopping in Horsham yesterday?

It is laughable for a track like Charlton in the Shire of Buloke that has not had a single Covid case EVER
Maybe they could have meeting for locals only (:( me but) keeping them separate from the participants

[Messenger]

Bendigo is happening (late news I know but no power in HG for 6hrs)

[Messenger]

I wish I wasn't in Melbourne today, I reckon the pokies would be open at Stawell Harness Club and so one would be able to watch the trots from the smokers room

[Messenger]

Come on HRV - it is time to jump up and down
The general public should be able to go to the Vicbred Super meets even if only outdoors - how is it any different from people going to the beach. We are talking regional meets - the country which has been near back to normal for yonks now and yet people can go to Melbourne shopping centres in their thousands
Ridiculous
ps We will however not accept any fresh of an overseas airplane! (sheez who can believe this is happening and yet country folk cannot wander around the wide open spaces of a racecourse)

[Yabbie]

I don't think it is that easy Kevin. Its government regulations, not HRV.
Its my understanding the seated arrangements remains in place until early January

[Showgrounds]

I don't think it is that easy Kevin. Its government regulations, not HRV.
Its my understanding the seated arrangements remains in place until early January

Agree it is the bloody Government but it all appears too hard for HRV to accept responsibility for its stakeholders and be proactive in getting the public back to the races.

Putting the onus on individual clubs to come up with plans is just buck-passing of the highest order. The trots in Victoria is looking a basket case through my eyes, watching the big crowd at Gloucester Park last Friday night just drove that point home.

Where is the leadership?

[Messenger]

I don't think it is that easy Kevin. Its government regulations, not HRV.
Its my understanding the seated arrangements remains in place until early January

I am not saying it isn't the government Carol - what I want to see is HRV putting some pressure on the government.
Maybe they are through communication with the Minister but if that is so, then tell us
If that is getting them nowhere then see if they cannot get a racing journalist to pose the question as to how a small number at open space racecourses in country Victoria are more dangerous than huge numbers in metro shopping complexes.

[Messenger]

This is getting beyond ridiculous
I am pretty sure that everybody has been in a supermarket lately and seen that everything is pretty normal albeit with masks (mind you only half the people are 'really' wearing them correctly) or into a small shop like a bakers delight where the staff may not even be wearing masks
Even Melbourne has had 6 weeks of zero cases
and yet here is Warragul's excuse for no crowd (not saying it is their doing)

"due to social distancing protocols at present, the raceday stewards panel require a larger space to conduct their work, and will have to make use of the clubroom facility as they did last month.
This necessitates participants moving through what would otherwise be general public areas, which is not possible at the moment."

https://www.facebook.com/warragulharnessracing/

ps I hope only every second horse stall is being used and that there is a fully protected cleaner cleaning the toilets every time a participant uses the toilets, .......
pps Even the Warragul excuse could be overcome by having a temporary fence erected to form a corridor from the stables to the partitioned off stewards area OR have general public attend with the knowledge that it is outdoor only

[Messenger]

I had an email from a city worker who is being asked their thoughts on returning to the office (the Government worried about the CBD being dead)
LOL the government is suggesting it is safe to return to the office but it is not safe to go to the races!

[Messenger]

Owners have received an email from HRV which includes:

The protocols currently in place for owners and public are race meetings include:
• Owners/public are to be separate from essential personnel (participants/staff) (i.e. owners are not permitted in racing areas such as stalls)
• Public / owners must remain in their designated area, i.e., if they go to the bar, TAB, or restroom, they must return to their designated area (not free roaming).
We understand how patient owners have had to be this year, and while we are heading in the right direction, it is still crucial we always observe protocols.

Please contact the club at which your horse is racing for specific details and offerings for owners.

It is strongly recommended that owners and members of the public register their intention to attend race meetings with the club.


This emphasis on keeping participants apart from the Covid free public (6 weeks of zero now) is prima donna stuff in my book
After all they are mixing with friends, family and the public in their daily lives

[Messenger]

The Gallops are looking attractive

https://www.racingvictoria.com.au/news/2020-12-09/spectator-numbers-to-increase-at-victorian-race-meetings-from-friday?utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=11-December&utm_term=&utm_content=

Racing Victoria (RV) is pleased to advise that it has received official confirmation today that the maximum number of spectators permitted to attend Victorian race meetings under COVIDSafe protocols can increase from 500 to 1,000.

This will take effect for race meetings from this Friday, 11 December 2020 where a Club is seeking to welcome spectators having considered their ability to satisfy the necessary COVIDSafe requirements.