HRNSW advises that the person who was in attendance at the Penrith Harness meeting on Thursday 19 March 2020 who had previously been in direct contact with another individual outside of the harness racing industry who was confirmed to have contracted the COVID-19 virus, is an employee of the Penrith Harness Racing Club.
HRNSW also advises that the Penrith employee has since tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
Further, it has been established by HRNSW that the employee of the Penrith Harness Racing Club was not in physical contact with any trainers, drivers or stablehands at the Penrith harness meeting on Thursday 19 March 2020.
For clarity, there was no opportunity for any contact to occur between the Penrith employee or any licensee before, during or after the race meeting.
Until the results of a COVID-19 test taken from a HRNSW Steward are known, HRNSW will continue to treat this matter with the utmost priority for the wellbeing of participants, personnel and the wider community.
HRNSW will provide further updates once all consequential information is known.
HRNSW reminds all industry participants of the available industry support program.
https://www.hrnsw.com.au/industry-integrity/development--support-program-dasp
Information provided to the community in relation to COVID-19 can be found at the following link:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 33 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by a Government appointed Board of Directors which is independent of Government.
For further information on this matter contact:
Integrity Manager Michael Prentice or Chairman of Stewards Grant Adams
mprentice@hrnsw.com.au (02) 9722 6600
gadams@hrnsw.com.au (02) 9722 6600
