Message from BRC CEO Tony Partridge
Tuesday, 17 March 2020
Dear Brisbane Racing Club Members and Patrons,
Australia’s response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted industries across the country, including the racing industry. I know that you would have been following many of these developments.
In response to the Federal Government’s advice on combatting the spread of the virus, Racing Queensland has issued a statement advising that all race meetings, trials and trackwork across the state will be conducted without patrons until further notice.
We do not know how long this situation will be in place. The COVID-19 developments are unprecedented in modern times and we simply don’t know the answer to some questions.
However, I can assure you that our Brisbane Racing Club team has been working tirelessly to ensure we are prepared for various possible scenarios in the near future.
This includes collaboration with Racing Queensland and with industry stakeholders regarding the most practicable way to continue to race.
We will keep you informed during this period and provide updates on the status of planning for the Brisbane Winter Carnival.
We support the measures to prioritise the health and wellbeing of our industry participants.
We are grateful that racing can continue for now while other sports face interruption.
While patrons are unable to attend race meetings, we hope the industry can demonstrate its worth by continuing to generate excitement, revenue for our Government and employment, in a challenging time.
Now, as much as ever, we value your support and understanding.
Yours sincerely,
Tony Partridge
CEO
Brisbane Racing Club
Racing Queensland Statement
Monday, 16 March 2020
Racing Queensland has advised that all TAB and non-TAB meeting across the state will be conducted without patrons until further notice.
Following the Federal Government’s advice that all non-essential, organised gatherings of more than 500 people be cancelled to manage the spread of COVID-19, RQ has confirmed that all future meetings – along with trials and trackwork – will be limited to key race-day personnel.
Access will be permitted to licenced participants who have a horse or greyhound engaged at the meeting, along with essential club, QRIC and RQ staff; broadcast services; approved accredited media; and associated staff required to conduct racing activities including veterinarians and ambulance services.
Access will not be permitted to the general public in any code, nor owners or on-course wagering providers.
“We are experiencing a unique and complex situation which requires Racing Queensland to adopt a uniform approach,” RQ CEO Brendan Parnell said.
“The health and safety of our 40,000 participants, including those who are employed in the industry, remains our top-priority and we will continue to work with our clubs, QRIC and participants to navigate this period.
“We are mindful of the carnivals we have on the horizon - and the impact that this decision may have on our clubs – but it is important that we restrict on-course access in the short-term to limit the potential spread of COVID-19 and the potential impact to our industry.”
Additionally, access will not be permitted to any key race-day personnel in Queensland that:
Is suffering from COVID-19 symptoms or is otherwise unwell;
Has been to a country considered at higher risk of COVID-19 in the past 14 days;
Is subject to self-isolation requirements imposed by the Government; or
Has been in close contact with a person suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19.
Covid-19 (Coronavirus) - Important Information
Friday 13 March 2020
The Brisbane Racing Club continues to monitor the COVID-19 updates from public health authorities.
The Federal Government has advised that all non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people will be restricted from Monday, 16 March.
Tomorrow's Paddyfest event has been cancelled. The Brisbane Racing Club will refund all tickets purchased. More information regarding Paddyfest can be found here.
While the BRC does not have a race meeting this weekend, we will attend a meeting with all major southeast Queensland thoroughbred clubs on Monday to discuss multiple issues including the COVID-19 response.
That meeting will help to determine the next steps for the racing industry ahead of our meetings at Doomben on Wednesday 18 March and Eagle Farm on Saturday 21 March.
In the meantime, the BRC urges all of our stakeholders to be aware of the latest public health information to ensure the best measures can be taken against the spread of the virus.
We thank you for your understanding.