Thoroughbred and greyhound racing could soon return to New Zealand tracks, according to Harnesslink.com. The Racing Industry Transition Agency (RITA) has outlined a draft plan that would bring back greyhound racing on May 11, harness racing on May 29 and thoroughbred racing on July 3.
The plan would reduce the number of racing venues in the country from 36 to 12, said Dean McKenzie, executive chairman of RITA. “The draft calendar reflects the industry’s commitment to ensure any resumption of racing includes measures to restrict travel, minimize interactions and keep all participants safe.”
McKenzie added that the timelines are predicated on a reduction of the government’s Alert Level from 4 (lockdown) to 3 (restrict) or 2 (reduce).
“RITA is actively working with a number of government organizations to ensure the industry’s protocols and rules meet Alert Level 2 and 3 restrictions prior to the resumption of any racing,” McKenzie continued. “These discussions have benefited from the response prior to moving to Alert Level 4 and from Australia, where racing has continued under strict restrictions.”
