Racing SA chief Nick Redin explains how racing in the state survived and flourished during COVID-19
The coronavirus pandemic gripped the country on the doorstep of the SA autumn carnival. While racing has kept going, at the time it was a brave decision for the state to push on with their festival. Here’s how the industry defied the odds.
SuperRacing
Don't miss out on the headlines from SuperRacing. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Thoroughbred Racing SA chief executive Nick Redin cupped his hands on the boardroom table and in a genuine, frank tone claimed the autumn carnival was the best racing carnival put on in the state for maybe 25 years.
It is a significant opinion, remarkable considering the massive COVID-19 nightmare tormenting Australian sport.
Racing, while not without its challenges, has been able to hold firm and buck many of the trends.
In Redin’s words, the TRSA board was very strong and probably brave in its decision to forge ahead with the autumn festival.
“The depth and quality of horses who came across validated the board’s decision to keep going,” Redin said.
“The carnival was telecast on Channel 7 for three successive weekends and that was huge for us.
“We had our product showcased nationally at a time when racing across the three codes was the only live sport people could watch in this country.”
Stream over 50 sports on-demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >
The racing industry had an advantage over other sports in coping with the pandemic, benefiting from the experience of the equine influenza outbreak which attacked the sport in 2007.
The biosecurity measures, the quarantining, the industry had been there before.
There was also a serious observation of the sport overseas, particularly Hong Kong where racing continued while being shut down in other countries.
Redin had only been in his job since March 1, although he had 11 years involvement in the industry.
He had a couple of valuable allies with chief steward Johan Petzer and his deputy Matt Santoro having had to contend with the equine influenza outbreak.
They had an understanding of the protocols needing to be implemented quickly. There was the marking of mounting yards for social distancing, all food being delivered on course pre-wrapped and the manner in which the barriers were loaded and procedures for jockeys in the mounting yard changed.
“The industry was very heavily focused on how Hong Kong kept racing,” Redin said.
“We quickly put steps in place to ensure we could continue, our whole focus was on what we needed to do to continue.
“How do we keep our industry going, how can we protect the 3000 jobs, the 800 small businesses?”
MORE RACING:
Krystal Bishop joins forces with trainer John Dunn after retiring from riding
Gytrash to take on Nature Strip in Concorde Stakes in bid to boost Everest claims
The industry was immediately locked down to essential people, the tracks closed to all but the essential and temperature testing became the norm.
Redin noted the importance of communication between the participants, the clubs, the board and his interstate counterparts.
Any initiative introduced was mirrored across the country.
Jockeys were given relief when in lockdown and unable to access gyms and a normal life, the minimum weight being raised.
The transport vehicle drivers delivering horses from interstate were banned from leaving the truck when they arrived at stables.
Interstate jockeys had to quarantine before the carnival.
“On the whole, I think the industry has got it right,” Redin said.
“There have been sleepless nights, you do worry what might crop up.
“I feel for the owners, who were unable to watch their horses live, but they understood.
“The industry has done a remarkable job and I cannot over emphasise how well the whole industry has reacted. It has been a remarkable team effort by everyone.
“Our field sizes are up significantly and that is the sign of a healthy industry. We are very focused on growing the sport and I’m very positive were the industry is headed.”
Originally published as Racing SA chief Nick Redin explains how racing in the state survived and flourished during COVID-19