News & Media

29 August 2007 Standstill On Movement Of Horses in W.A. Lifted

Racing and Wagering Western Australia are today pleased to be in the position to announce that the National standstill on movement of all horses has been lifted in Western Australia effective 4pm today (Wednesday 29 August 2007).

This announcement was made earlier today by the State Government after having received advice from the Consultative Committee for Emergency Animal Disease (CCEAD). It was found that no evidence of any horses examined by the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) proved positive to the Equine Influenza virus.

Chief Executive Officer of RWWA, Mr Ray Bennett said " this decision is welcomed by all racing participants throughout the state."

"To have obtained getting the standstill lifted in WA is a credit to the great teamwork between Department of Agriculture and Food and RWWA in what has been previously unchartered waters for both organisations, " Mr Bennett said.

A national ban on the movement of all horses throughout Australia has been in place since Saturday 25 August.

The lifting of this ban in Western Australia means that all Thoroughbred and Harness training tracks throughout Western Australia will be open for trackwork on Thursday morning 30 August 2007.

As a result, racing in Western Australia will resume on Friday 31 August 2007 at the programmed harness meeting at Gloucester Park.

All horse trainers are advised to contact their respective Racing Managers (Thoroughbreds - 9445 5277 or Harness 9445 5267) or visit www.rwwa.com.au for further information.

For more information contact:

Drew Mazalevskis
Manager Industry Media & Communications
Ph: 9445 5184
Mb: 0417 180 828