Letters to the editor April 10, 2020

April 10 2020 - 9:28am
Letters: 'Racing's extremely strict protocols mean industry should continue'
Letters: 'Racing's extremely strict protocols mean industry should continue'

Racing should continue

After reading Monique Ferrier's comments (The Standard, April 3, letters), I felt I had to try to put the record straight to some of her assertions. Monique's point that the proposed two-day May racing carnival will bring 'thousands of industry employed staff to Warrnambool, guaranteeing an increased number of COVID-19 infections in our regions'. The modified program means the total number of stable staff required would amount to between 200-300, half of whom are locals. Non-local staff will travel down and back to Warrnambool on the same day. They bring their own equipment, just as Warrnambool trainers take their own equipment when they travel to other cities in Victoria. Both medical and government advice agree the extremely strict protocols that racing has initiated mean this important industry should continue unless otherwise advised. Racing is part of the agriculture and primary industry sector. Horses need care whether competing or not but unlike many other industries, it would take months to re-start the competition arm which employs over 30,000 Victorians. Without owners paying for the care of these horses in stables, I hate to think of the fate of these magnificent animals. Up to 3000 horses are in training at any given time in Victoria alone. Prizemoney barely covers training costs. Cr Kylie Gaston's statement at Wednesday night's council meeting likening the May races as Warrnambool's 'Ruby Princess' moment, please! Insulting and no facts. Information is readily available on Racing.com website.

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