OFFICIAL DIRECTION TO ALL RACING PARTICIPANTS SOCIAL DISTANCING
Thoroughbred Racing SA (TRSA) Stewards note that while a number of measures have been introduced by TRSA in recent weeks to ensure the thoroughbred racing industry in South Australia meets Federal and State government regulations relating to COVID-19, there are occasions when social distancing between participants appear to be in conflict with the recommended distance of 1 ½ metres (1.5 metres).
It is imperative that as an industry we practice proper social distancing when present at any Racing Activity. Racing Activities are defined as:
- Race Meetings
- Training (including track work)
- All forms of trials and jump outs
- Trainers Stables and Spelling Properties
Social distancing requires persons to observe 1 ½ metres (1.5 metres) of spacing between themselves and other persons.
TRSA Stewards provide notice of an official direction under the rules of racing. The direction being:
“Any person in attendance during Racing Activities must observe social distancing at all times”.
The direction will be effective immediately.
TRSA Stewards further provide notice that any person who breaches the direction will be subject to a significant fine and note that under the rules of racing Stewards may impose fines of up to $100000.
It should also be noted that nothing in this notice derogates from the powers of Stewards to either suspend of disqualify any person who breaches this direction.
Note:
Australian Rules of Racing;
AR232(b) states “A person must not fail or refuse to comply with an order, direction or requirement of the Stewards or an official”, and
AR16(b)(ii) states “Without limiting any other PRA powers, a PRA has the following powers in relation to disciplining and/or penalising a person: to penalise any person who disobeys any reasonable direction of any official”.
Johan Petzer
Chairman of Stewards TRSA 26 March 2020