Trainers association urges caution

HARNESS racing drivers, trainers and stablehands are being urged to put their health and that of their peers first as Australia deals with the impact of coronavirus pandemic.

In an open letter to industry participants, Victorian Trainers and Drivers Association (VTDA) president Lance Justice said now was not the time to be blase.

"Sometimes you have to put yourself out for the benefit of everybody and that's what we need to do," the champion trainer-driver said.

"Harness racing participants have a reputation of being hard-edged and brave, but this is not a time for bravery. It's a time for diligence, awareness and caution," Justice said.

"I strongly agree with the leadership shown by HRV to limit track attendance to licensed participants and essential staff.

"It's OK to be overly protective, and I'd rather overreact and still be around than brush it off and no longer be around. Participants must adapt and do things they aren't used to doing.

"It's not only your livelihood and your health, but the livelihoods and health of those around you or who depend upon you, including the many older harness racing participants who are most vulnerable to this virus."

The caution comes hot on the heel of the decision to restrict attendance at race meetings to licensed participants with a horse engaged and essential staff only.

"We acknowledge this is a significant decision, but first and foremost we must protect the health and well-being of our people," HRV chief executive officer Dayle Brown said.

"Our position is to continue to listen to the advice from the medical experts and act accordingly to mitigate risk to health.

"Yes, some owners will be disappointed they cannot attend the races for the next little while, but I'd ask everyone to please remember that this is a developing and unprecedented situation and we're in this together."