UPDATED: Today's Warrnambool races will go ahead.
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Racing Victoria said licensed jockey Mark Zahra had tested negative for COVID-19.
Racing Victoria said that cleared the way for race meetings at Warrnambool and Pakenham (twilight) to proceed as programmed under the strict COVID-19 protocols governing the conduct of racing in accordance with all the current directives, guidelines and advice established by the Victorian Government on the advice of the Chief Health Officer.
Zahra, while cleared to resume riding immediately, is not booked for any rides until Saturday's Golden Mile meeting at Bendigo.
Thursday: A decision on whether Friday's race meetings at Warrnambool and Pakenham will proceed as programmed may not be made until Friday morning.
Racing Victoria is still awaiting notification of the COVID-19 test undertaken by licensed jockey Mark Zahra who was advised on Wednesday by health authorities that he was unknowingly on the same commercial flight 14 days ago as a confirmed case.
In the event that Zahra's test result is not known by 7am Friday, Racing Victoria will postpone the Warrnambool meeting until Monday, March 30 with further details on the postponement to be communicated if required.
Warrnambool Racing Club chief executive officer Tom O'Connor said it was an unfortunate set of circumstances but no one was to blame for the delay with the decision.
"It's all about the health and well-being of everyone," he said.
"We're all feeling sorry for Mark.
"We're ready to race if it's on Friday or Monday.
"I've got to give credit to all the staff at Racing Victoria for keeping the show on the road.
"Racing Victoria has been on the front foot about this matter for the last month and they should be congratulated.
"They have put strict measures in place to implement race meetings around the state for the past few weeks.
"We're not sure how much longer racing will continue but it's only through the efforts of Racing Victoria that we are racing now.
"We're dealing with a changing landscape regarding the virus each hour.
"It's a worrying time for everyone."
Three jumps races are programmed for Warrnambool's nine-race card.
In the event that Zahra's test result is not known by 12 noon Friday, the Pakenham twilight meeting will not proceed either and a further announcement will be made on any necessary programming changes.
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