APG Race Series: COVID-19 Update

The Board of Australian Pacing Gold met today (26 March) to determine the best way forward for Series 29 [3yo] and Series 30 [2yo] Events planned for April and May 2020.

Given the closure of State Borders, it is not possible to conduct either the 2yo or 3yo Series races as planned.

Accordingly, in consultation with the Controlling Bodies and Principal Clubs in Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia, the Board resolved to seek a POSTPONEMENT of both Series 29 and Series 30 by TWELVE MONTHS.

The effect for each Series will be as follows:

Series 29 [Horses sold at APG Yearling sales in 2018]          

• Fully sustained horses will compete in the ‘3yo leg of the Series’ in April/May 2021 at the age of FOUR.
• The 3yo Championship Races will be conducted in July/August 2021 at the age of FOUR

Series 30  [Horses sold at APG Yearling sales in 2019]         

• Fully sustained horses will compete in the ‘2yo leg of the Series’ in April/May 2021 at the age of THREE.
• The 2yo Championship Races will be conducted in July/August 2021 at the age of THREE
• Fully sustained horses will compete in the ‘3yo leg of the Series’ in April/May 2022 at the age of FOUR.
• The 3yo Championship Races will be conducted in July/August 2021 at the age of FOUR

Series 31  [Horses sold at APG Yearling sales in 2020]

• This Series is NOT affected.

Brisbane Sales Race

• APG will adopt a “wait and see” strategy with the 2yo Brisbane Sales Race.  If racing is available in August, our preference would be to run the $100,000 2yo Brisbane Sales Race in its scheduled timeslot.  However, if that becomes an impossibility, then we will look to reschedule the race as early as possible once racing resumes, whilst giving adequate lead-time to participants to enable horses to achieve race fitness.

APG acknowledges that many will be disappointed that their APG Group One winning dream has been deferred by twelve months, but on a positive note, 100% of the $2million+ prizemoney that was originally allocated to the Series remains available and will be won by APG’s loyal participants in 2021.

The Board feels that the decision to defer the Series is the responsible way to deal with the many challenges posed by the current health crisis, and offers certainty for participants during a time when the evolving nature of the government’s COVID-19 containment strategies sees the landscape changing on a daily basis.

David Boydell
General Manager
Australian Pacing Gold