VICTORIA’S latest lockdown has already claimed two victims.
As another Corona virus outbreak grips the state, the government has announced a lockdown in a bid to stop further spread into the community.
Within moments of the news other states established hard borders against Victoria to isolate and protect their regions.
Those actions have forced West Australian horseman Michael Brennan to abandon his trip across the Nullarbor for Saturday night’s Australian Pacing Gold Finals at Tabcorp Park Melton.
Brennan had Pinny Tiger and Miss Boudica in a pair of Group Ones, with the three-year-olds scheduled to be flown over from Western Australia this evening.
The scratchings have robbed connections of a potential $300,000 windfall.
Despite the disappointment, Brennan has chosen to “take it on the chin”.
“It is devastating but there is nothing we can do as the borders are closed,” Brennan said.
“At the end of the day it’s only horse racing and there are a lot of people out there doing it far worse.
“We just have to take it on the chin, move on and be thankful we’re healthy.
“Miss Boudica can still go around in the APG Consolation at Gloucester Park tomorrow night and there is a race for Pinny on Monday.”
On the other side of the spectrum, local drivers have become the beneficiaries from the Victorian situation.
Like Brennan, several interstate drivers are unable fulfil their APG engagements, with trainers quickly booking locals for their runners.
At this point New South Wales reinsman Blake Fitzpatrick and Jack Trainor have yet to make a decision regarding their APG drives.
