Minimum weights to rise in Victoria to help protect jockeys from coronavirus

The minimum weight for jockeys in Victoria will rise to 56kg (8st 11lb) in a bid to keep riders healthy and protect them from the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision applies to all country and metropolitan meetings in the state from Tuesday, March 24, and matches the same policy taken in New Zealand.

All weights in handicaps will rise by 2kg (4.4lb) from the minimum weight, with the minimum topweight at least 62kg (9st 11lb). Set-weight races will also be raised 2kg to ensure the minimum weight is not less than 56kg.

Racing Victoria chief executive Giles Thompson said: "Our priorities remain to protect the health and wellbeing of our industry stakeholders, and indeed the wider community, and to maintain an appropriate framework under which racing can continue for the many people whose livelihoods depend on it.

Racing Victoria boss Giles Thompson: committed to riders staying strong and healthyCredit: Michael Dodge (Getty Images)

"This move recognises the challenges that some of the existing protocols place on riders to maintain their riding weight, while also recognising the importance of ensuring our riding group remains strong and healthy so they can continue to compete."

In order to limit the spread of coronavirus, Racing Victoria has also announced all media will be excluded from attending race meetings with three exceptions – official broadcaster Racing.com, Racing Photos, and one representative of Racing Victoria’s transcription service.

Thompson added: "I want to foreshadow that the industry can expect further enhancements to our protocols over the coming days as we strive to ensure we have the best possible framework to allow Victorian racing to continue for the foreseeable future."

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