Harness Racing New Zealand has announced that all racing in the country will cease for a four-week period effective Tuesday, March 24. Additionally, HRNZ has stated that government is providing financial assistance to those that are impacted.

In its release on the matter – the contents of which appear below – HRNZ has stated that although the country will effectively be in lockdown, the welfare of animals will remain an essential service during the four-week period, as horses will still need to be fed, worked and cared for during this time.

The release states that trainers will need to look at stringent procedures around staffing levels and ensure they are adhering to the requirements of Alert Level 4.

In its release, HRNZ states “We recognize that these are challenging times for everyone within our industry and we will be working closely with those impacted to help them through the coming weeks.”

Industry Response to COVID-19; Government to Provide Financial Assistance

The announcement from the government today that New Zealand would move to Level 4 of the COVID-19 Alert System in 48 hours means that all racing will cease for the next four weeks from Tuesday, March 24.

Harness Racing New Zealand, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, Greyhound Racing New Zealand and the TAB, have met to discuss what steps the industry needs to take to protect the livelihoods of its participants.

While the country will effectively be in lockdown, the welfare of our animals remains as an essential service during this time. Horses and dogs will still need to be fed, worked and cared for during this time.

Trainers will need to look at stringent procedures around staffing levels and ensure they are adhering to the requirements of Alert Level 4. The codes will be addressing this in more detail tomorrow.

We recognize that these are challenging times for everyone within our industry and we will be working closely with those impacted to help them through the coming weeks.

As has been announced, the government is providing financial assistance for those impacted and the codes will provide guidance for those wanting help as to how they go about seeking that assistance.

While the country is presently at Level 3 alert moving to Level 4 on Wednesday will involve the following:

• People instructed to stay at home

• Educational facilities closed

• Businesses closed except for essential services (e.g. – supermarkets, pharmacies, clinics) and lifeline utilities

• Rationing of supplies and requisitioning of facilities

• Travel severely limited

• Major reprioritization of healthcare services

The codes will issue regular updates to their participants as this situation evolves.