curious

MPI decision on "essential services" NZTR 25 March 2020 In light of the government’s announcement that the country will move to COVID-19 alert level 4 at midnight tonight (25 March) only “essential services” are permitted to operate. Our advice from the Ministry for Primary Industries confirms that training centres, training stables, agistment properties and stud farms where horses are in containment are considered essential services under animal welfare considerations. Businesses with more than five people (including the owner) working at each business site, or who cannot achieve social distancing between staff, are required to register. The criteria and registration form can be found here. The businesses will need to answer 11 questions to provide assurance they have a plan and process to manage infection risks. Much of this will be covered in the NZTR protocols which will be distributed later today. In addition to this NZTR, the NZ Trainers’ Association and the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association will be providing a template to assist with completing the paperwork in a further communication later today. MPI has requested that all businesses which need to register do so by 5pm on Friday, 27 March 2020. Businesses will be able to continue operating while going through the registration process.

Maybe at level 3 but certainly NOT at level 4 which should have been in place a week ago.

What? and destroy the country and kill a few thousand more kiwis. You have to be taking the piss.

Correct. Sorry. I sometimes get ahead of myself.

Yes. That could possibly be argued for animal welfare purposes but otherwise training racehorses seems to me to surely be a non-essential business that must be closed down by the end of today. Likewise, preparation of training facilities, tracks etc. for other than animal welfare purposes.

Agree for animal welfare purposes ONLY. 24 March 2020 The TAB and New Zealand Racing are taking steps to close retail outlets and temporarily suspend all racing following the announcement that New Zealand would move to Alert Level 4 of the COVID-19 alert system in 48 hours. Betting will still be available on tab.co.nz. A move from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 4 at 11.59pm on Wednesday, 25 March for 4 weeks (minimum) requires the cancellation of all indoor and outdoor public gathering and all non-essential businesses to close. The decision to suspend all racing from Tuesday 24 March to Tuesday 21 April follows a meeting of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, Harness Racing New Zealand, Greyhound Racing New Zealand and the TAB today to discuss what steps the industry needs to take to protect the livelihoods of its participants. The group noted that while the country will effectively be in lockdown, the welfare of our animals remains an essential service during this time and more information on managing animal welfare was expected soon. The Codes and the TAB will continue to hold video conference meetings during the lockdown in response to the unfolding situation.

Yes, training may be able to proceed where required with suitable distances maintained and only essential staff on hand. Veterinary care as you suggest is I think an essential service. We also need to be able to receive deliveries of feed etc. I remain pessimistic about any May/June resumption though. Time will have to tell on that one. I'm not being negative though Michael, just trying to be realistic. My own one horse team remains in work at this stage in the hope you are right.

Michael, I think May/June is wildly optimistic though it would be great if you are right. Spring - September/October might be a a sensible loose aim at this stage but events over the next few days and weeks will be a guide to that. It could be longer. Of course, horses along with all livestock need to be fed and cared for but they do not require exercise other than in a paddock in most cases. I certainly don't see any case for training facilities to remain open. They are hardly essential services. It would make a mockery of the intent of the level 4 intervention and probably help f&ck the country and contribute to the deaths of 1000s of NZers. Please take this seriously.

Yeahhh .... some seem to know more than the horses and trainers do eh?

Yep. They should reduce code distributions at a guess to about 30% of current levels. Close the RIU and JCA immediately. Go back to club committee stewards voluntarily performing the integrity functions and provide training and support for that.

A no-brainer must do. RITA should have taken the lead here.

33 Week Ending Sunday 15th Mar for Clubs.pdf

NO. This error occured under the auspices of the current RITA board. The buck stops there.

I think I found a 3yo after Christmas so should be good to go.

I'm struggling to find any value in that market. Have you spotted anything?

Yep. Agree. And having a licence of some kind alone is not the whole criterion. They will need to be there, whether that's trackwork, trials or races, as "essential staff".

I'm thinking I may be eligible for a probationary stablehand/trackwork licence by then if I can find a trainer to take me on. That would solve the problem of gettting on course on raceday.

The other problem they now have is the declining number of total events with pattern races already at a globally high 5.8%. As you lose the low end races which is now happening, pattern race numbers will have to reduce.

With my impeccable timing and judgement, I decided to buy a horse and put it in work for the first time in over five years. Thought it might be nice to have the thrill of one more win before either I or the industry are dead, whichever comes first. Sounds like now I won't be able to go to the races and watch. See Caufield is no owners and no public allowed today.

Went to my first race meeting at Amberley. Not sure how old I was. 5 or 6 maybe. Equalisator picnic meeting then. Sat on the grass and picniced. Grandpa went and put the bets on. Went home with my first half crown. Hooked!

https://www.facebook.com/TISCNZ/videos/596782917830083/

Or under pressure and not good enough?

I guess the sausage rools will come out of the $8m slush fund?

Are there many horses there or nearby?

So, we're doomed?