The NHA has announced further relaxations effective 1 July 2020 regarding protocols pertaining to Racing behind closed doors.
The NHA have informed the Racing Operators accordingly on the requirements that needs to be complied with in order to continue staging these meetings.
The following rules shall be applicable w.e.f 1 July 2020:
The field sizes will be restricted to 14 runners per race with the exception of ALL Pattern races in which 16 runners will be allowed.
The conditions of the Vodacom Durban July shall remain in place.
Jockeys will be restricted to ride in the region of their choice and cannot move in between provinces. However, they will be allowed to make one permanent move for the month of July and must only ride in that province. They will therefore be domiciled in that respective region for the month.
The adjusted minimum riding weight in Handicap races shall remain at 54kg until 31 July and shall revert back to the norm at the start of the new racing season.
Previous restrictions on the movement of horses will be lifted. Kindly note that the standard AHS movement regulations do apply.
All Horse Transport Companies must have the necessary Permits to move horses between the training centres and race courses.
The last race must be run not later than 17h00.
Any persons with comorbidities shall not be able to attend.
Owners with runners on the day shall be advised during the month of July, after updated level 3 Government regulations are published, as to when they will be allowed to attend race meetings. The Racing Operators, together with the Racing Association shall advise of the relevant procedures to be adopted in line with strict Covid-19 regulations.
All of the above will be applicable for the month of July. Further relaxations may be implemented in conjunction with the status of the Coronavirus pandemic, together with any positive changes to the Governments adjusted risk strategy from August onwards.
The NHA is again pleading to all participants to continue to self-regulate regarding prevention and hygiene practices.
The Covid-19 pandemic is now in rapid growth stages in South Africa. The scientific and worldwide statistics, forecast that this virus will be in existence for an extended period.
Individual responsibility will go a long way in assisting the South African Horseracing Industry to continue racing, creating value and to the ultimate sustainability thereof.
- Media release by NHA on Wednesday 24 June 2020
