Mask Up
Aside from the likes of the Lone Ranger (younger readers can Google that one), I don’t suppose anyone enjoys wearing a mask, bespectacled individuals like me definitely included. (As an aside I’ve actually taken to not wearing glasses in the stables. It’s amazing how well I can get away with that, although there is the odd time when I don’t recognise someone, so apologies for that). However, in the current climate, whether we like it or not, masking up is one way to prevent the spread of this damned virus.
Happily, most people in the Industry realise that the enforcement of wearing them at the races is an attempt to prevent a closure of the races for the foreseeable future. However, the Association has been made aware of the odd participant trying to avoid wearing them, and Addington Raceway has put out a notice which is reproduced below, and applies to all tracks around the Country.
Sadly, it only needs one case to put the whole harness racing establishment at risk of temporary closure, and I’d be surprised if anyone would want to be the individual responsible for that!
Dear Licenceholder
You are now entering the private property of Addington Raceway / NZMTC who are taking its obligations to protect you and our staff during these COVID times very seriously. Addington Raceway will do whatever is required according to the directions by either HRNZ or the Government.
You are required to follow the “Order and Direction” set out under the rules by HRNZ: https://www.hrnz.co.nz/news/hrnzs-orders-and-directions-under-traffic-light-system/
You must wear a mask at all times. Drivers can remove these when on the track but must put it on again when in the stables. The only exception is when eating or drinking at the IRT Stables BBQ.
If you have an exemption from wearing a mask, you must produce this when requested by the RIB or an Addington staff member. This pass is issued from the Ministry of Health. Any other documentation (ie letter from a doctor) will not be accepted and you will be required to wear a mask immediately or leave the premises.
Where possible you and your staff should exit the racecourse as soon as practicable following the conclusion of your horse(s) racing.
Failure to comply with an instruction from the RIB, Addington staff or the HRNZ Order and Direction will be considered a breach of the Rules Of Harness Racing and may result in consequences associated with that breach.
Do not be that person responsible for putting our industry at risk.
Pete Cook