OWNERS ALLOWED TO ATTEND MEETINGS DURING STAGE TWO


THIS Friday, Clifford Park will allow owners on track to watch their horses for the first time since March and the onset of COVID19.

The presence of some owners on track – in a designated space segregated from industry participants – will be the first step toward the general public being allowed back on-course, which is likely to happen in July.

Toowoomba Turf Club Chairman Kent Woodford said owners would be able to attend Clifford Park from this Friday’s night meeting for their horse’s race only, then leave the course.

“The Board and the Club fully understand a return to racing for patrons – including our Members – is going to be a tricky road.

“Owners are the lifeblood of our industry and to be able to offer them the opportunity to see their horse race, the TTC is simply following suit with other Queensland-based race clubs and the NSW racing industry.

“There will be strict security and protocols for owners to follow. They will be allowed to arrive at Clifford Park 20 minutes before their race and have their details recorded for potential contact tracing. They will then be able to watch their race and leave 20 minutes after.

“There is still not to be any contact between owners and essential racing personnel and no betting on course,” Mr Woodford said.

TTC Chief Executive Officer Lizzy King said the club was working closely with Racing Queensland to comply with RQ’s Industry COVIDsafe plan.

“This comprehensive plan includes everything from social distancing enforcement, health monitoring, cleaning and hygiene requirements and continued segregation of essential racing personnel and patrons when they return.

“Currently, stage two of the plan allows for just 20 patrons on course in designated areas and the club has made the decision not to open to patrons until stage three kicks in, which will allow for 100 patrons in designated areas.”

Ms King also announced that owners would also be able to attend the club’s jump outs on-course from tomorrow (Tuesday, June 23).

“Owners in attendance must follow strict rules like only watching from the club’s designated viewing area (Clifford Park front lawn and James Taylor Grandstand), to not attend any horse movement areas, avoid unnecessary contact with essential racing personnel and to follow social distancing measures.

“For those unable to attend the course, our jump outs are now filmed weekly and can be found on the club’s website,” Ms King said.

https://cliffordpark.com.au/training-centre/training-centre/jump-out-results/

ENDS.

For further information, contact Toowoomba Turf Club Chief Executive Officer
Lizzy King on 0478 752 039.s