Our aim is to enable racing to continue

TALKING to Club Menangle’s chief executive regarding the restrictions the organisation has put into place in relation to Corona Virus, his message reflected Jerry Maguire’s plea to Rod Tidwell.

Trying desperately to get Tidwell to act appropriately, Maguire begs “Help me help you.”

In a nutshell that’s precisely what Bruce Christison is asking industry participants as strict guidelines are put into place as of this morning.

Unless you’ve been in a cave you’ll be aware of the pandemic sweeping the globe which is forcing shutdowns in almost every country.

Those shutdowns include the Australian government’s rule there are to be no non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people.

Taking the action a step further, harness racing bodies throughout the nation have declared access to racetracks is limited to key personnel only.

In other words, if you have one horse engaged don’t bring three stablehands in an attempt to circumnavigate the rule.

You know…do the right thing!

“Our goal is to ensure the industry can keep functioning during this very trying period,” Christison said.

“Harness Racing New South Wales has adopted a universal approach to the compliance with these measures and it is in the best interest of our industry participants.

“Our aim is to enable racing to continue throughout this crisis and therefore enable trainers, drivers and owners to generate an income.

“As a club we have lost revenue due to cancelling functions and race night dining, but are determined to help the industry remain in operation for the betterment of all involved.

“If we all remain vigilant in observing these rules hopefully harness racing can avoid being shut down and incomes can be maintained.”

Christison’s concerns for the well-being of the industry have been echoed by club’s and governing bodies throughout Australia as each tries to avoid massive shutdowns which are occurring throughout America and parts of Europe.

For example, this morning the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board issued a mandate stating all venues must shutdown until April with the time frame being extended a distinct possibility.