South Australian Racing Comes To A Standstill

South Australian racing has become the first major casualty of the latest Covid-19 outbreak with the state's snap lockdown resulting in the three codes of racing to cease for the next seven days.

The decision will see Wednesday's Murray Bridge program and Thursday's Mount Gambier and Murray Bridge meetings abandoned while cards slated for Gawler on Friday and Saturday will also go by the wayside.

The South Australian Government announced a seven-day lockdown which began on Tuesday evening after five new cases were recorded in the state. 

Despite pleas to Government on Tuesday, representatives from the three racing codes were unable to prevent racing from coming to a halt during the lockdown period.

“GRSA wishes to advise that given the latest COVID-19 Direction from South Australian Government, greyhound racing will not continue during the seven-day SA COVID-19 lockdown that commenced tonight at 6pm,” GRSA CEO Matt Corby said.

“This includes racing and (with trials to be confirmed) until the scheduled end of lockdown on Tuesday 27th July at 6pm, subject to Government direction.

“Talks between the racing codes and Government were unable to secure a favourable outcome.

“To support our participants and greyhounds, as was the case in November 2020, GRSA will pay a COVID support subsidy to participants based on the number of registered dogs at their kennels. For each day of lockdown that results in lost race meetings, a payment of $4 per dog per day will be paid.

“In the event that the lockdown goes longer than the current expectation of seven days, GRSA will commit to the subsidy for one month, beyond which time a further review of ongoing industry support will be undertaken.

“Please reach out to the appropriate staff at GRSA should you require assistance with any concerns. We will continually update you as things progress.

“Take care and stay safe over this period.”