Racing jurisdictions yet to formalise their positions on mandatory Covid vaccinations

The racing chiefs of NSW and Victoria reveal where their organisations sit on compulsory Covid-19 vaccinations for participants.

Peter V'landys says Racing NSW has yet to discuss mandatory vaccinations, Picture: Jonathan Ng

Australian racing jurisdictions haven’t yet thrashed out their position on whether to make Covid-19 vaccination mandatory for participants at some future point – but they have not ruled it out.

In his position as ARLC Commission boss, Peter V’landys has already put a line though making the jabs mandatory for rugby league players.

However V’landys, the Racing NSW CEO, says it is possible racing could take a different stance.

“What happens in rugby league is a different story to racing, because they are two different boards,” V’landys told News Corp.

“In racing, they may have a different view to rugby league.

“It’s a (Racing NSW) board decision and we haven’t considered it at this point.

“The reason we haven’t discussed it is there is not enough vaccines available anyway, so even if we had a policy at the moment the (vaccine) supply is not there.”

Racing Victoria seems unlikely to make Covid-19 vaccinations compulsory for participants to compete.

However, the number of jockeys and trainers making use of the vaccination centres at Sandown and Cranbourne racecourses has boosted industry confidence.

Talks about “vaccine passports” and setting up pop-up vaccination hubs at major training centres — similar to the annual flu jabs — remains ongoing.

The practicality of pop-up hubs would hinge on government support, staffing and vaccination supply.

Crowds queuing for Covid-19 vaccinations at Sandown Racecourse. Picture: NCA NewsWire/David Geraghty

RV chief executive Giles Thompson backed the vaccination drive.

“Anything we could do to encourage or help people in our sport get vaccinated, we will do,” Thompson.

“If we are able to in some way pay for, or support, vaccinations … we will.”

Racing like any sporting code and employer generally must navigate a legal minefield around mandating vaccinations in the workplace.

Victorian Jockeys’ Association boss Matt Hyland echoed the general recommendations to be vaccinated.

“It’s still up to the individuals but everyone is of the view the only way out (of the pandemic) is to get vaccinated,” Hyland said.

“A lot of the jockeys, I couldn't put a number on it, but a number of them have taken up the option at the end of the day to try and get vaccinated after completing their engagements.

“Probably not dissimilar to the community, people are now getting into the headspace if there’s an opportunity to get vaccinated they’re getting it done.”

Australian Trainers’ Association chief executive Andrew Nicholl praised the work being done by racing regulators to “complement” government advice.

“The reality is given the lack of control of this, their role really is to complement what the government are doing and they are doing that well,” Nicholl said.

“They are doing that well in terms of providing participants communications encouraging them … to take notice of the government program and seek a vaccination.”

The age ranges and eligibility of participants — including stable staff and riders under 18 — adds further complications to any potential mandatory vaccination regime.

Racing Queensland said the issue of mandatory Covid-19 jabs for industry participants was “not something we currently considering.”

Originally published as Racing jurisdictions yet to formalise their positions on mandatory Covid vaccinations