The Darwin Turf Club has implemented strict isolation conditions at its Fannie Bay track to enable racing to continue in the Top End.
Darwin Turf Club chief executive Brad Morgan said he had been working closely with TRNT on the proposed conditions, which include three strictly isolated areas at the Darwin Turf Club.
“We must keep racing alive in Darwin, and our small population and ability to isolate means it can be done safely and without risk of transmission to keep people employed through this difficult time,” he said.
“Racing provides jobs for hundreds Territorians, and in our small jurisdiction, the impact of a total shutdown would be unfathomable and may mean it will be years before the industry is back racing as it once was. We are doing all we can to avoid that worst-case scenario.”
The plan was put in place with the health and well-being of racing participants at front of mind, and sees the track split into three key areas, each able to be quarantined on race days and beyond.
“Our policy turns the Fannie Bay training complex to a strict, isolated area, and we have been working on escalated versions should more lockdowns come from the Federal Government,” Mr Morgan said.
“Unique to racing in Darwin, our horses are stabled at the track, and we have the ability to isolate all participants, both equine and human, so racing can continue under low risk conditions.
“The training complex is gated and we have a thorough list of certified licensed participants and officials who can enter and exit the area.”
Mr Morgan said he and TRNT was working closely with Alice Springs Turf Club to bring their horses to Darwin at the completion of the Alice Springs Cup Carnival.
“There are lots of logistics still being worked out, but we’re certain there are many factors at play meaning we can be successful in our endeavours,” he said.