This news will be updated on a regular basis for trainers as the Covid-19 crisis evolves. Please know that we are doing everything we can to assist trainers. Things are changing constantly so whilst the situation evolves, be assured we will keep you updated.

Most recent updates as follows

WHEN YOU CAN GET A VACCINE - click here

UPDATE - 2 MARCH 2021 - As per the previous Alert Levels in February. Attempts are being made for exemptions for trainers to travel with horses for racemeetings, however it seems unlikely. Updates will be regularly posted on this page.

UPDATE - 15 FEBRUARY 2021 - INTER-REGIONAL TRAVEL WITH AUCKLAND AT ALERT LEVEL 3 
For trainers wanting to send horses to the races or trials, horses can be transported on public transporters, as the drivers and float companies follow strict  protocols. However, racing is not deemed essential and does not qualify as animal welfare as such, therefore trainers and staff are unable to travel between regions.

The Level 3 restriction for the Auckland region (see map below) at this stage is to continue to be in place until 11.59pm Wednesday night. For Auckland based trainers with horses racing at Te Aroha, you will need to send horses using public transport companies and make arrangements for a caretaker trainer to look after your horse whilst at the races. 

Further updates will be available as they come to hand.
For the full update - click this link

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UPDATE 13 OCTOBER NZTR COVID-19 DIRECTIVES – ALERT LEVEL 1

 With all regions in New Zealand at Alert Level 1, the required raceday protocols are amended and the attached directive ‘NZTR Directive COVID-19 Alert Level 1 (13 October 2020)’ prevails until further notice.

 

The differences, between the attached and a meeting held in a ‘Level 1’ region under the Alert Levels 1 and 2 Directive are:

Temperature screening for jockeys and people working around the weigh-room is no longer required

The encouragement of mask wearing in the defined areas is removed

 

Otherwise, things are unchanged:

• Availability of hand sanitizer
• Regular disinfectant of surfaces
• Personal Responsibilities regards health status (e.g. don’t come if feeling symptoms)
• Other general health and physical distancing provisions
• Prominent display of govt COVID QR codes

 

Please review the attached directive for detail.

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UPDATE 22 SEPTEMBER FOLLOWING ALERT LEVEL CHANGES
Restrictions regarding attendance at race and trial meetings outside of the greater Auckland region will be removed when the bulk of the country returns to alert level 1 from midnight tonight.

This means that owners and members of the public will be able to attend trial meetings at Rotorua, Foxton, and Ashburton tomorrow.  They will also be able to attend all race meetings outside Auckland from Wednesday’s Matamata meeting onward.  

With Level 2 restrictions remaining in place for Auckland until 7 October, at the earliest, the protocols requiring NZTR approved operating plans for attendances of up to 100 persons in separate defined areas will remain in place for meetings at Ellerslie on 26 September and 4 October and Avondale on 7 October.

With racing conducted at meetings in regions at alert level 1 and alert level 2, the following approach for participants has been determined:

• NZ COVID Tracer APP QR code to be displayed at entrances and other prominent areas.
• Hand sanitisers to be made available for use by participants and attendees.
• Temperature checking to be conducted for riders and for persons who work in the weigh-room.
• Face masks must continue to be worn in Weigh-room, Parade Ring, Birdcage, Starting Gates and Swab Box under level 2; and their use is encouraged under level 1. 
• People should not attend a race meeting if experiencing symptoms of cold or flu.

The following changes are also noted:

• Trainers are no longer required to advise the club of the stable staff who will work at the meeting.
• Health declarations are no longer required to be provided when entering a meeting.
• Jockeys may now be declared for rides at any meeting, as the inter-island restriction no longer applies.

These amendments are subject to any further changes in the Government’s Covid-19 Health Orders.

NZTR Directive: COVID-19 Emergency Regulations - Alert Levels 1 and 2

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Link to the latest  
Level 2 Regulations Updated 7 September 2020 - click here
Newsletter - Auckland Region Alert Level 3 and rest of country Level 2 - QR Code links... - https://mailchi.mp/5d77505c76c2/covid-19-update-14th-august-2020
Information on campaigning horses in Australia - form to complete
Level 2 NZTR Directive https://loveracing.nz/OnHorseFiles/Downloads/NZTR%20Directive%20COVID-19%20Alert%20Level-2%20(Amended)%203%20June%202020%20UPDATE.pdf
Level 3 NZTR Directive
Link to Emergency Relief Package for Racing details - https://mailchi.mp/e87c37801dce/support-package-for-racing
Link to newsletter 8th May - move to Level 2 - https://mailchi.mp/3b76ba7f6bf1/weekly-covid-19-update-for-trainers
Link to Regional Business Partner Funding offered by Leading Recruitment
Link to Covid-19 Update sent 1st May 2020: https://mailchi.mp/1202838e753f/covid-19-alert-level-3-update
Links to Leading Recruitment documents for Health & Safety Plans and guidelines
Link to newsletter sent 24/4/20 including message from Tony Pike and Level 3 regulations and information from Majestic... https://mailchi.mp/a706a91fa99e/level-3-return-to-training
Link to newsletter 22/4/20 with Level 3 information for trainers and what are the expectations for stakes: https://mailchi.mp/85da878ca1b2/alert-level-3-information-for-trainers
Updated email address for Dean McKenzie is [email protected] 
Link to letter sent to RITA with questions requiring a response prior to move to level 3
Link to Farriers Guidelines 
Link to update covering Farriers, Horse movement and plans for return to training and racing: https://mailchi.mp/ccfa40c7dd14/trainers-update-on-covid-19
Link to latest information on Horse movement
Link to newsletter 4/4/20 with helpful information during lockdown: https://mailchi.mp/3eac88e1be10/helpful-information-for-trainers-during-lockdown
Link to letter from Majestic
Link to letter to members of the Farriers' Association
Link to 27/03/20 newsletter with details on changes to regulations in regards Exercising Horses, plus update on farriers and advice for over 70's
Link to 26/3/20 newsletter with details on MPI registration, Finding your NZBN number, Movement of horses, Farriers, Exercising of horses at private facilities 
Level 4 NZTR directive with regulations