Covid rife in the harness racing industry

Harness racing figures are urging its governing body to take stronger testing action as reports of sick participants turning up at races abound.

Prominent driver and trainer Mark Jones said many in the industry were angry at being put at risk by participants ignoring symptoms and still coming to races and trials.

“A lot of people have been turning up sick… Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) should have a testing regime, exactly like thoroughbred racing, because there is a lot of pressure on everyone to turn up so they can race and some will always break the rules,” Jones said.

“HRNZ has let this happen. Those that have stayed home and done the right thing have been penalised because HRNZ has failed to put to the right discouragement in place.”

Jones said everyone knew Covid was rife in the industry and HRNZ’s soft-handed approach threatened all racing.

“It has caused a lot of rumours and speculation and allegations.”

A driver, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said participants – especially those with small children – were angry about hearing that Covid positive people were turning up.

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by Martin Van Beynen

Courtesy of Stuff