THEY’RE off and racing at Gawler today – thanks to a massive state-wide effort by the thoroughbred racing industry, the local club’s CEO says.
The Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club’s eight-event meeting continues racing’s unbroken run through the coronavirus crisis, which has wreaked havoc on other sports across Australia, and abroad.
CEO Shane Collins said while his club’s bottom line has taken a hit from the mandatory spectator-free conditions, the continuation of racing had reduced the impact on participants, such as trainers, jockeys and others employed within the industry.
“Obviously from a club point of view it’s not all roses, because we can’t generate any income on these days,” he said.
“But it’s great the industry has continued to operate. The participation rates were excellent through the recent Adelaide carnival, and that’s flowed through to provincial racing in places like Gawler.”
Gawler staff, plus all racing participants on hand, will today continue to observe the strict social-distancing policies put in place by Thoroughbred Racing South Australia since the COVID-19 crisis emerged – and Mr Collins said their efforts deserved praise.
“I think participants have done a great job by keeping their horses racing and following correct protocols,” he said.
“They’ve done a wonderful (thing) for the industry.”
Tasmania has been the sole Australian state or territory to shut down its racing industry during the coronavirus crisis.
Race one at Gawler today is at 12.10pm.