Participants at British race meetings, which are set to resume on June 1, will have to adhere to a range of new protocols to operate safely.
Published in a 33-page document by the British Horseracing Authority on Saturday, the technical guidelines set out that trainers, jockeys and officials must wear face masks while they must have all completed the online Covid-19 education module.
A medical declaration from within the previous seven days must also be completed and those arriving at a course will have to provide photo ID and have their temperature checked twice using an infrared thermometer. If a temperature exceeds 37.8C on both occasions, the individual will not be admitted.
Attendees are also advised to allow between 15-30 minutes to pass through checkpoints as admission to courses will take place via designated entrances. Other entrances will be secured so there is no unauthorised access.
Only a limited number of people can transfer between designated zones at courses. One-way systems will be in operation to the limit the crossover of people.
Social distancing will be in place at racecourses, with an officer appointed by the governing body to ensure all measures are implemented and adhered to on racedays. No saunas or showers will be in operation in changing rooms.
The BHA notes that activities such as legging up a rider, or a horse being led into the stalls, will involve individuals being less than two metres apart – this is why jockeys, trainers, valets, stable staff and others must wear face coverings.
For jockeys, saddles and other riding equipment will be disinfected on arrival and they will have to make sure they maintain social distancing on the way to the start and when waiting to load in to the stalls.
Trainers have been asked to avoid sending difficult or fractious horses to the track, as companion horses or animals will not be allowed. They must also ensure their runners are well schooled in the stalls to help minimise the time taken to load at the start.
Brant Dunshea, the BHA’s Chief Regulatory Officer, said: “Racing has been able to develop its guidelines based on our experience of operating bio-secure environments to control the spread of infection in horses, and a robust approach to regulation and enforcing the rules.
“Our trainers, jockeys and staff carry out their roles in a highly disciplined way because working with horses always carries risks. I am very confident they will adapt quickly to this new set of measures designed to protect them from the transmission of the virus.”
