The Arima Race Club (ARC) is being proactive and are getting set for a smooth re-start of racing on October 9.
Horse racing in T&T has been halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic for a second time in April. Racing was first shut down in on the March 14, 2020. However, racing resumed on June 27, 2020 and continued until April 24, this year.
Champion trainer John O'Brien saddled the last winners on day eight of this year's racing season when champion jockey Brian Boodramsing partnered the unbeaten Soca Symphony to her fourth success in her career from stablemate Princess Steffani which was ridden by 'Triple Crown' winning rider apprentice Kimal Santo on April 24.
With the mass vaccination drive in the country, the ARC has been asking the members of the racing fraternity to get vaccinated to ensure all is in place for the re-start when given the green light by the government.
In a release to all stakeholders sent out on September 13 by ARC management, stated categorically that only fully vaccinated persons will be allowed to access to Santa Rosa Park in Arima on race days.
The ARC has requested that all in the racing industry be vaccinated. This includes jockeys, trainers, grooms and staff.
Here is the letter sent from the management committee of the ARC:
Glen Mohammed, the president of the Race Horse Trainers Association (RTA) revealed that 95 percent of his members are vaccinated and ready and Sheldon Rodrigo, head of the Jockeys body said that almost all the jockyes are vaccinated and ready to resume work.
Subject: Re-Start of Local Horse Racing
In pursuance of their imminent re-opening of the Gambling industry, the government has designated all betting facilities Safe Zones.
It means that with effect from the first race day scheduled for October 9, 2021, only fully vaccinated persons will be allowed access to Santa Rosa Park on race days.
In addition , all regular COVID-19 protocols will be strictly enforced.
Kindly advise your employees, associates, and providers of goods ans services of this mandate.
Accordingly, persons seeking access will be required to provide evidence of vaccination.