Racing in Victoria suspended until at least Friday after coronavirus scare

Wednesday's meeting at Sandown in Victoria was abandoned after two races, and racing in the state temporarily suspended, until at least Friday after a participant underwent testing for coronavirus.

Thursday's meetings at Kilmore and Pakenham will not go ahead while a meeting at Warwick Farm in Sydney on Wednesday was also abandoned, following the news the participant had attended a meeting in New South Wales.

Racing Victoria Giles Thompson confirmed his hope racing in the state would resume as soon as possible should the participant return a negative test for Covid-19.

"One of our participants had confirmed that they were on a flight on March 12, a commercial flight," Thompson said. "On that flight there was another passenger, completely unrelated, who has since been confirmed with a case of Covid-19.

"As a result, the protocols we've got in place have had to kick in and we've abandoned this afternoon's meeting at Sandown and tomorrow's meetings at Kilmore and Pakenham.

"This was 13 days ago that this potential exposure happened, I just wish to point out that this participant is not displaying any symptoms of Covid-19 at the moment and we'll provide a further update tomorrow on how racing may resume on Friday.

"If the participant's test is negative, then we will look to resume racing as soon as we can."

Three races remained on the card at Warwick Farm when Racing New South Wales (RNSW) decided to abandon the meeting.

RSNW deputy chairman of stewards Wade Birch said: "There's information that an industry participant that has recently participated at a meeting in Sydney has possibly been exposed to Covid-19.

"On advice we have taken the decision to abandon the meeting immediately. As my superiors have said, the health and safety of our riders in paramount. The decision has been taken in that regard."

Until Wednesday, racing in Victoria had continued to operate behind closed doors, with crowds and owners banned from entering courses as part of strict protocols.

Only essential participants could enter after being temperature checked and keeping to strict guidelines related travel and social interactions.

Jockeys have also been isolated from each other, while both Victoria and NSW have implemented tough border restrictions requiring those not in the state to self isolate before they are allowed in any licensed racing premises.

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