WA Racing Update

Last updated 11 May 2020

With the WA Government limiting indoor and outdoor non-work gatherings to only 20 people, racetracks will continue to be restricted to essential persons only. This includes race meetings, trials and trackwork.

Please note that when on-course, essential persons must adhere to social distancing and good hygiene practices, including maintaining a distance of 1.5 metres between people. Failure to do so will result in the matter being referred to by the Stewards.

For more information regarding public gatherings for WA, click here.

Last updated 11 Ma 2020

Please note essential persons must display their licence cards or essential persons identification cards as issued by RWWA when attending racetracks. Those considered to be essential for the running of racing, include:

• Thoroughbreds:
  • Licensed jockeys engaged to compete at the meeting, trial or trackwork
  • Licensed trainers with runners engaged at the meeting, trial or trackwork
  • Registered stable staff of trainers with runners engaged at the meeting, trial or trackwork
  • Racing vision broadcasters
  • Horse transport staff
  • RWWA staff and officials: stewards and integrity staff, clerk of scales, clerk of the course, judges, jockey coach, starters, swab attendants, race caller and media/content personnel
  • Race club staff and officials: doctor, ambulance officers, veterinarian, curator and track staff, barrier attendants, farrier, club operational staff, required gate and race day office staff and photofinish operator
  • Limited accredited media (as approved by RWWA and/or the respective club)
• Harness:
  • Licensed drivers engaged to compete at the meeting, trial or trackwork
  • Licensed trainers with runners engaged at the meeting, trial or trackwork
  • Registered stable staff of trainers with runners engaged at the meeting, trial or trackwork
  • Racing vision broadcasters
  • Horse transport staff
  • RWWA staff and officials: stewards and integrity staff, clerk of the course, driving master, mobile driver, starters, swab attendant, race caller and media/content personnel
  • Race club staff and officials: veterinarian, doctor, ambulance officers, curator and track staff, farrier, club operational staff, required gate and race day office staff, judges/timekeeper and photofinish operator
  • Limited accredited media (as approved by RWWA and/or the respective club)
• Greyhounds:
  • Licensed trainers with runners engaged at the meeting, trial or training
  • Registered handlers and catchers of trainers with runners engaged at the meeting, trial or training
  • Racing vision broadcasters
  • RWWA staff and officials: stewards and integrity staff, race caller, swab attendant and media/content personnel
  • Race club staff and officials: veterinarian and assistants, kennel staff, judges, lure driver, track staff, tote operator, club operational staff, required gate and race day office staff
  • Limited accredited media (as approved by RWWA and/or the respective club)

Last Updated 25 May 2020

Intrastate Travel Restrictions

The WA Government have announced that from Friday, May 29 (or 11.59pm on Thursday, May 28), the regional boundaries will be lifted except for regions that are bound by the Commonwealth’s designated biosecurity determination and 274 remote Aboriginal communities.

In light of this announcement nominations for all race meetings will be re-opened to all horses, with restrictions on outer provincial race meetings being removed.

Further information regarding the WA Government’s announcement on intrastate travel can be found here.

Interstate Travel Restrictions

The WA Government have implemented new restrictions and arrival requirements to travel to Western Australia from other Australian States and Territories in response to COVID-19.

Since 24 March 2020, Western Australia has implemented strict border controls for all access points – by road, rail, air and sea.

Unless exempted, arrivals from interstate will be ordered to self-isolate for 14 days, and therefore individuals should not attend WA racecourses within this period.

In regards to international travel, under the direction of the Federal Government, only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can currently travel to Australia. It is also a requirement by the Federal Government that any individual returning to Australia from overseas travel must self-isolate for a 14-day period.

Last updated 11 May 2020

To reduce travel substantially, race meetings have been consolidated to only select venues. However, as the season moves into winter the following changes will be made to account for subsequent track suitability for harness and thoroughbreds.

RWWA would like to take the opportunity to thank the Bunbury Trotting Club, Bunbury Turf Club, Geraldton Turf Club, Gloucester Park, Perth Racing and Pinjarra Harness Racing Club for their support in conducting additional race meetings to minimise the number of venues operating through COVID-19.

Harness

With the advent of winter it is necessary RWWA consider the implications of inclement weather on the present three race track scenario.

At present RWWA have planned to conduct 41 race meetings over approximately nine weeks in June and July:

• 9 at Pinjarra – Mondays
• 17 at Gloucester Park – Tuesdays and Fridays
• 14 at Bunbury – Fridays and Saturdays in June, one double header in July and three Saturday nights in July.

RWWA will expand the racing venue footprint to include Northam for race meetings scheduled in June and July.  This will eliminate Bunbury running meetings on consecutive days and provide an alternative option to race if weather effects a programmed night meeting at Bunbury or Gloucester Park. To view the revised dates for June and July, please click here.

Please note training facilities will remain operating with the relevant adherence to bio-security and access guidelines.

Thoroughbreds

• Ascot Racecourse will close following the Roma Cup race meeting on Saturday 16 May 2020 and all metropolitan race meetings will then be conducted at Belmont Park.
• Bunbury Turf Club will close for track renovations following this Sunday’s race meeting on 3 May 2020.  The Northam Race Club will then open on Monday 1 June 2020 (WA Day), maintaining two inner provincial tracks along with Pinjarra Park,  and complete their normal racing season.
• The Geraldton Turf Club will close for track renovations following the race meeting scheduled for Friday 5 June 2020.  The Carnarvon Race Club will then conduct 11 race meetings commencing on Friday 12 June 2020 to Friday 18 September 2020. Whilst the State Government intrastate travel restrictions are in place, Carnarvon race meetings will be restricted to only horses located within the Midwest and Gascoyne regions. Full race programmes will be available on the CRIS website early next week. The revised full season Carnarvon dates are below:

1. Friday 12 June 2020
2. Sunday 21 June 2020
3. Friday 3 July 2020
4. Sunday 12 July 2020
5. Friday 24 July 2020
6. Sunday 2 August 2020
7. Friday 14 August 2020
8. Friday 21 August 2020
9. Sunday 30 August 2020
10. Friday 11 September 2020
11. Friday 18 September 2020

• To reduce the amount of travelling by industry participants, the following changes have also been made:
  • The Pilbara season, including the Port Hedland Turf Club and the Nor-West Jockey Club (Roebourne) have been cancelled.
  • The Broome Turf Club’s season has been cancelled.
  • Additional races will be run for the class of horses usually accommodated at the above venues at provincial race clubs in the south of the state over winter.
  • All associated race meetings scheduled to be run by community race clubs in the North West are also cancelled.

Please note training facilities will remain operating with the relevant adherence to bio-security and access guidelines.

Greyhounds

• Greyhound race meetings will be consolidated with all scheduled race meetings being transferred to Cannington and Mandurah. The Northam season will not commence as scheduled in April and Monday race meetings will now be run at Cannington.
• The newly introduced Sunday greyhound race meetings will alternate between Mandurah and Cannington.

We understand that these changes will disrupt many within the industry, but due to these uncertain times these are necessary measures that are aimed at enabling racing to continue in Western Australia.

Last updated 25 May 2020.

The WA Government have announced that from Friday, May 29 (or 11.59pm on Thursday, May 28), the regional boundaries will be lifted except for regions that are bound by the Commonwealth’s designated biosecurity determination and 274 remote Aboriginal communities.

In light of this announcement nominations for all race meetings will be re-opened to all horses, with restrictions on outer provincial race meetings being removed.

Further information regarding the WA Government’s announcement on intrastate travel can be found here.

Last Updated 17 April 2020

Horses eligible to trial will now be as follows:

• Horses that have not raced or trialled within the last 6-weeks.
• Horses ridden by non-permit apprentices or an apprentice having less than 50 race rides.
• Horses not eligible to trial will again be able to nominate on payment of a $110 penalty fee (including GST) additional to the usual trial fee.

To meet the stringent social distancing requirements, all trials at Belmont Park, Bunbury and Lark Hill will now be split into two sessions with published times for each heat. 

There will be a break of 90 minutes scheduled between sessions and horses for the second session must not arrive on-course more than one hour before the first heat is scheduled in that session (no exceptions will be made). 

The racing department will make every effort to ensure trainers have their horses nominated to trial accommodated in the same session.

Last updated 3 April 2020

RWWA, as the State’s Principal Racing Authority, is taking the threat of COVID-19 seriously, and has since 16 March 2020 implemented a range of strict bio-security measures to protect both the health and livelihood of the industry’s workforce, and as a result, the wellbeing of the State’s racing animals. RWWA is continuously monitoring State and Federal Government advice to ensure that the racing industry is and in many cases beyond compliant.

To view RWWA’s strict bio-security measures, click here.

Updated 15 May 2020

RWWA has identified a group of jockeys referred to as the ‘Blue Team’, who have volunteered to ride at only specific venues, and will be segregated from all other jockeys at racecourses.

In line with the gradual easing of restrictions within the wider community in relation to COVID-19, from Monday 18 May 2020 limitations for jockeys in the ‘Blue Team’ participating in track work will be removed. This decision has been made on the basis that it is recognised that track work is important for enabling jockeys to maintain their fitness and weight.

As a result of these changes, the following restrictions now apply for those jockeys who are part of the ‘Blue Team’, if a rider is identified as being in breach of these conditions it will be necessary to remove them from this group:

• Only allowed to ride at Belmont Park, Northam and Pinjarra Park;
• Will be segregated from jockeys outside of the blue team at race meetings; and
• Must not interact with any jockeys outside of the blue team, including both on-course and off-course.

If a jockey from this group is named for a ride at any venues outside of Belmont Park, Bunbury, Northam or Pinjarra Park they will be removed.

All jockeys are still permitted to ride at Belmont Park, Bunbury, Northam and Pinjarra Park, however those who are not part of the blue team will be separated whilst on-course and are restricted from interacting with this group.

If jockeys outside of the Blue Team wish to join the group they are able to do so by undertaking a COVID-19 test organised by RWWA’s Medical Adviser. Once the test result has been received they may be accepted into the group. For those who are interested in joining the Blue Team, please contact Ron Fleming.

The jockey segregation is an important risk mitigation measure so that in the event one of the jockeys is impacted directly or indirectly, not all jockeys will be required to isolate.

Jockeys who are included as part of the ‘Blue’ team include:

• Joseph Azzopardi
• Christopher Graham
• Peter Hall
• Paul Harvey
• Clint Johnston-Porter
• Shaun McGruddy
• Jarrad Noske
• Steven Parnham
• Brad Parnham
• Chris Parnham
• William Pike
• Jason Whiting

Last updated 1 April 2020

The following good hygiene and social distancing practices must apply at all times, including at racecourses, RWWA’s training facilities and trainer’s private properties.

Everyone must stay 1.5 metres away from other people whenever possible. This is called social distancing and is a requirement by the Government. Failure to do so can result in on-the-spot fines by the WA Police.

Participants must self-isolate if they are sick, have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, or have recently returned from interstate or overseas travel. Again this is a requirement by the Government, and failure to comply can result in fines from the WA Police.

Good hygiene:

The following steps for good hygiene apply to racecourses, RWWA’s training facilities as well as trainer’s private properties:

• Covering coughs and sneezing with your elbow or a tissue.
• Putting used tissues straight into the bin.
• Washing hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet.
• Using alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
• Avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently used surfaces such as benchtops and doorknobs, particularly in kennel areas.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently used objects such as mobile phones, keys, wallets and work passes – please note this should also include frequently used equipment for the training or handling of greyhounds.
• Increasing the amount of fresh air available by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning.
• If you are feeling sick or unwell you must self-isolate and remain at home.

Important Notes:

• If you wear a mask, be aware that hand cleanliness is still necessary.
• If you wear disposable gloves, change and dispose of them properly, and still avoid touching your face
• If you have any symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath seek medical assistance immediately.

Social distancing:

The following steps for social distancing apply to racecourses, RWWA’s training facilities as well as trainer’s private properties:

• Keeping 1.5 metres away from others.
• Work in isolation where possible – avoid completing tasks with others in close proximity.
• Avoiding physical greetings such as handshaking and hugs.
• Practicing good hygiene as outlined above.
• Limiting food handling and sharing of food.
• Avoiding non-essential travel.

For more information, click here.

Last updated 1 April 2020

The following guidelines outline the necessary actions trainers and essential licenced participants must take to avoid any spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the WA racing industry, and ensure compliance with State and Federal Government requirements.

Please note these measures must apply both at racecourses, RWWA’s training facilities and private properties.

WA Police will be allowed to impose $1,000 on-the-spot fines to individuals and $5,000 on-the-spot fines to businesses not complying with COVID-19 risk mitigation measures specific to self-isolation, social distancing and mass gathering obligations.

Please note whilst RWWA endeavours to review and provide the most up to date information, industry participants should monitor current advice and requirements of the Australian and Western Australian Governments to ensure they have the most current information.

In the event of any inconsistencies between information provided by RWWA and any relevant State or Federal Government requirements, participants must strictly comply with the latter.

Please note if the instructions and orders in the below documents are not followed, RWWA and/or the Stewards may consider such non-compliance to constitute a breach of the Rules of Racing.

Thoroughbred & Harness Guidelines, click here.

Greyhound Guidelines, click here.

For more information from the Government on good hygiene and social distancing practices, click here.

Last updated 20 March 2020

RWWA will be supplying where possible a Compliance Support Officer at racecourses, to assist industry participants as well as RWWA and club staff with precautionary measures on-course, including:

• Acting as a point of contact for RWWA stewards and race club staff for all COVID-19 protocol and implementation on-course;
• Enforcing compliance on restricted areas such as jockey rooms, driver rooms, steward rooms, kennelling areas, mounting yards and parade rings; and
• Ensuring compliance of adequate hygiene measures such as appropriate social distancing, use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers and the frequent cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces.

Compliance Support Officer will also be acting under the powers of the stewards and the Rules of Racing, and any abuse or misconduct directed at any RWWA or club staff will not be tolerated and will be referred to the stewards for disciplinary action.

Last updated 15 May 2020

RWWA is working with race clubs to determine what on-course hospitality offerings can be made available for essential persons attending racetracks. For those race clubs who are in a position to do so, the following must be adhered to at all times:

• Takeaway only – there will be no dining options available;
• No congregation – once participants receive their items they must leave the area immediately, no seating will be available in these areas;
• No service of liquor – the service of alcohol will not be available on-course as current WA Government restrictions only allow the consumption of alcohol at a table (no counter service, or bar service);
• Social distancing – social distancing of 1.5 metres must be adhered to at all times; and
• Good hygiene – good hygiene must be maintained at all times, including frequent cleaning.

RWWA will be distributing signage highlighting these requirements to all race clubs who will be offering takeaway options. Please note that not all race clubs will be offering a takeaway service on-course.

Last updated 25 March 2020

It is understood that these are uncertain times for many individuals and therefore please be reminded that RWWA’s Racing Assist provides free confidential support through counselling to any licenced participant, whether it be due to racing-related or personal issues. For more information, click here.

As a precautionary measure to protect people’s wellbeing and ensure adequate social distancing, the Racing Assist provider PeopleSense, has shifted a majority of their services to remote delivery via telephone/video call.

Last updated 20 March 2020

Greyhounds as Pets (GAP) are currently operating, however increased biosecurity measures have been implemented to limit the potential exposure for staff, volunteers and the wider community. The following precautionary measures are in place for any meet and greets at our GAP facility:

• Prior to attending our facility you must confirm that you:
  • have not returned from overseas travel in the last 14 days;
  • are not a contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case; or
  • do not believe you have may have been in close contact with a person infected with COVID-19.
• If you are feeling unwell or are displaying flu-like symptoms we will be unable to accommodate you at our facility until such time as you have completely recovered.
• We will be observing ‘social distancing’ within our meet and greets and request that only one or two people come to visit the suggested greyhound.
• We have implemented increased hygiene measures and request that you abide by the instructions given by staff prior to entry to the facility and as per signage displayed around the GAP kennels.

The health and safety of the community remains of paramount concern and GAP WA will continue to closely monitor and follow the advice of health authorities to ensure that appropriate measures are in place.

Last updated 11 May 2020

RWWA advises that due to the Federal Government’s further restrictions placed on entertainment venues, all TAB Agencies, including retail outlets and on-course tote facilities, are now closed. However, a selected number of TAB agencies are able to operate as TABtouch Deposit and Withdrawal Centres only.

All TABtouch digital channels, including desktop and mobile, as well as the call centre will still be available for customers to place bets.

RWWA will continue to follow advice from the Government and health authorities to implement any appropriate measures required to further safeguard our staff, customers, racing participants, and the wider community.

TABtouch Deposit and Withdrawal Centres

The WA Government have provided approval for selected TAB agencies to open and operate as TABtouch Deposit and Withdrawal Centres in strict accordance with social distancing measures.

From Friday 1st May, you will be able to visit the participating TABs for cash deposits and withdrawals from your TABtouch account, as well as processing any TAB-issued winning tickets and cash vouchers.

A maximum of four customers will be allowed in an agency at any one time.

Please note betting will not be permitted on-site and no race vision will be shown on screens.

Operating hours will be as follows:

Monday to Friday
3pm – 6pm

Saturday
9am – 6pm

Sunday
9am – 12pm

Locations

Perth City

North Metro

South Metro

Regional Agencies

Last updated 21 May 2020

RWWA’s General Manager Racing Charlotte Mills will be providing updates at 7.50am on Mondays on TABradio. To listen to the most recent update, click here.

Last updated 30 April 2020

The Australian Government has introduced the COVIDSafe App as a valuable tool to help speed up contacting people exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19), enhancing the ability to respond rapidly to local outbreaks in order to protect the community, and not allow the virus to silently spread.

Racing and Wagering Western Australia recommends racing industry participants download the app to help ensure the safety of other participants as well as the continuation of racing in our State.

The app helps find close contacts of COVID-19 cases allowing state and territory health officials to quickly contact people who may have been exposed to COVID-19.

For further information and to watch videos on how to use the app click here.

Last updated 20 March 2020

RWWA will continue to provide up to date information to industry through as many channels as possible, including:

• TABradio: RWWA’s General Manager Racing Charlotte Mills will be providing updates on TABradio at 7.55am on Tuesdays and Thursdays. RWWA’s CEO Richard Burt will be providing updates at 8.00am on Saturdays.
• RWWA website: this page will continue to be updated with key information as well as frequently asked questions.
• RWWA social media: important updates will also be shared across RWWA’s official social media channels on Twitter and Facebook.
• Race Club & Eligible Bodies: RWWA will continue to provide frequent updates with race clubs and eligible bodies.

Last updated 30 March 2020

Why are there currently restrictions on access to only essential persons for WA racecourses?

This decision has been made in alignment with the Federal Government’s restrictions on public gatherings. Further information regarding public gatherings can be found here.

Do these restrictions apply to trials and trackwork?            

Yes. Only essential persons will be granted access to racecourses at all times, including race meetings, trials and trackwork.

Are race clubs responsible for deciding on who is considered an essential person?

RWWA has provided guidelines on those considered to be essential for the running of racing. A list of all non-licenced participants considered to be essential persons has been provided to race clubs including RWWA officials and staff as well as any critical contractors (e.g. broadcasters). Essential persons must show their licence card or essential persons identification card as issued by RWWA when attending racetracks.

I am an essential person for the running of the race, will I need to show a pass to get into the racecourse?

All licenced participants identified as essential persons may be required to show their licence or essential persons identification card upon entry into the racetrack.

Will there still be on-course hospitality available for essential persons on course?

The Prime Minister announced that all restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and home delivery only. Therefore, RWWA advises that all food and beverage offerings on racecourses will be closed, effective immediately. RWWA officials and staff will be required to cater for themselves at racecourses. However, thoroughbred race clubs will still be required to provide pre-packaged food for jockeys.

I am a licensed person but don’t have a starter at the race meeting, can I still attend?

Only licenced participants identified as essential persons with a runner engaged at the meeting, trial or trackwork at hand, will be granted access to the racecourse. Limiting potential exposure for participants and staff who are critical to conducting a race meeting, is a prudent measure designed to ensure racing is able to continue to operate.

I am an owner, and have a horse/greyhound engaged at a race meeting, can I still attend?

Only those identified as essential to the running of racing will be granted access to racecourses at all times, including race meetings, trials and trackwork. We acknowledge that owners are an important part of the racing industry and appreciate that this disrupts the ordinary enjoyment of racing for all, however these are necessary measures that are aimed at ensuring racing is able to continue. Limiting potential exposure for participants and staff who are critical to conducting a race meeting is a prudent measure designed to ensure racing is able to continue to operate.

If I can’t attend a racecourse, where I can I watch the races?

Race meetings will continue to be broadcast on SKY Racing and can be viewed through the TABtouch App or via other digital channels as normal.

RWWA is continuing to liaise with vision providers, to ensure appropriate risk mitigations have been put in place to allow them to continue to provide these critical services.

Last updated 16 March 2020

Will RWWA’s head office remain open to industry and the general public?

RWWA’s head office will remain open. However, to limit the potential exposure to our staff and the wider community, racing participants and other members of the public are encouraged not to visit the head office, and rather call reception on 08 9445 5333 or email info@rwwa.com.au.

Are we still able to contact RWWA’s various departments (e.g. racing office, integrity, finance, and licensing and registration)?

Yes, RWWA will continue to operate and has implemented business continuity measures to ensure the organisation can continue to provide its services to the racing industry. The appropriate racing contacts can be found on the RWWA website here.

Will TABradio continue to broadcast?

Yes, TABradio will continue to broadcast, however increased biosecurity measures have been implemented, including suspending any in-studio interviews until further notice to limit the potential exposure for staff, racing industry, and the wider community.

What is RWWA doing to protect its staff?

RWWA is implementing risk mitigation measures to limit the potential exposure to our staff, and to ensure critical services can continue to be provided to the Western Australian racing industry as well as its wagering customers through the WA TAB. This includes where possible RWWA staff working from home and encouraging social distancing where possible within the office.

Last updated 16 March 2020

I have a function booked at a race club, how do I go about getting a refund?

As race club functions and events are organised by the respective clubs, we recommend that individuals get in touch with the clubs directly.