Racing Victoria (RV) has advised that thoroughbred racing in Victoria has been shut down temporarily with immediate effect.
RV states that a licensed participant is set to undergo testing for COVID-19 after that person advised health authorities “that they were on the same flight as a confirmed case of COVID-19”. The flight took place prior to the introduction of strict coronavirus protocols which came into place on March 13.
Today’s meeting at Sandown was abandoned after the first two races while tomorrow’s meetings at Kilmore and Pakenham have also been called off.
Additionally, today’s NSW meeting at Warwick Farm was also cut short as a precautionary measure after the participant in Victoria had "recently competed in Sydney".
It is understood that people close to the participant set to be tested will be contacted by authorities today.
If the test comes back negative, RV ensures that racing will resume on Friday.