Labor says delay to resumption of Tasmanian racing hurting the industry

Gallops, harness and greyhounds will be racing again next month but State Opposition explains why postponement is causing “untold damage”.

Savs Finale finishes well ahead of the pack at Elwick Racecourse with Copperhead Road coming in second. Picture: PATRICK GEE

THE State Government confirmed yesterday the Tasmanian Racing Industry can resume racing on July 13 but the State Opposition slammed the delay claiming it would cause “untold damage” to all three codes.

Minister for Racing Jane Howlett was confident the news would be welcomed by the gallops, harness and greyhound sectors, which can now “plan ahead with confidence and certainty”.

“Racing participants across all three codes have been eager to hit the track since the resumption of trials on May 18 and a solid program of race meets has been scheduled by Tasracing to commence on Sunday, July 14,” she said.

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“I thank the thousands of racing industry participants for their patience and constructive input into the detailed Return to Racing Plan, which has been developed by Tasracing in consultation with industry leaders.

“The Plan contains a comprehensive set of controls for the resumption of each code, including strict limitations on the number of officials, trainers and handlers in each section of the track.

“I am buoyed by the strong numbers of animals that have participated in 10 trial meetings so far across the state, with participants co-operating with all the necessary safety guidelines put in place.”

However, Shadow Minister for Racing David O’Byrne was not impressed by the Government’s “failure” to include racing in the early move to Stage 2 restrictions.

“Labor welcomes the decision to bring forward the easing of restrictions to this Friday,” Mr O’Byrne said.

“But the Liberals’ decision to exclude the racing industry from the early start and make it wait until June 13 to reopen is farcical and, even worse, it is inflicting untold damage on an industry that is vital to Tasmania.

“Labor has been fielding complaints since Tasmania became the only state or territory to shut down the racing industry because of Covid-19, despite the industry taking its own steps to protect public health.

“And while the Government worked with other sectors, like building and retail, to help them continue operating during the Covid-19 crisis, it has treated the racing industry with contempt.”