Horseracing personnel will have to undergo “pre-entry health screening” before being allowed into a racecourse as the sport gears up to its planned return behind closed doors on June 1.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has said that this screening will likely consist of a pre-attendance questionnaire which must be completed “no more frequently” than every seven days with attendees also required to have screening upon arrival at a racecourse.
Furthermore, all who will be visiting a racecourse for these behind closed doors races are required to complete a mandatory ‘Covid-19 Information for Participants of the Racing Industry’ online education module, which can be found here.
The sports body said: “Those who have not completed, or who do not pass, the necessary screening will be refused entry to the racecourse.
“The exact health screening process is still in development and will be communicated to the industry as soon as it has been finalised. Please be assured that this will be shared in good time to ensure industry participants understand the requirements.”
Flat racing is the first form to be introduced back at racecourses with jump racing expected to return at a later date, but not before July 1.
Staffordshire venue Uttoxeter Racecourse has not yet released any official statement regarding the possibility re-opening since it announced last mont that several fixtures at the ground would not take place this year due to the coronavirus outbreak.
For courses that are making a return, a 72-hour declaration will be in place for all races from June 1 until further notice.
The BHA says it plans to publish British racing’s protocols for racing behind closed doors no later than Tuesday, May 26.
The document will be aimed at “everyone attending race meetings, and their employers, who will all need to be aware of and ensure compliance with the new and revised protocols.”
In the meantime, trainers are asked to update and re-check their employee records as well as upload their horse vaccination records to the ‘Weatherbys Vaccination App’.
The BHA says social distancing measures put in place by the Government must be adhered to at all times.
Click to follow Sport in Staffs for all our latest articles on:
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
WE HAVE MOVED! 