COVID-19 protocols – guide for Trainers and Stable Staff – from Monday 19th July 2021
The BHA has published updated COVID-19 Guidelines and Operating Procedures that will apply at British race meetings from Monday 19 July 2021.
The full announcement is available on the BHA website , together with a link to the revised protocols.
To support Trainers and Stable Staff, the BHA has produced bespoke guidance, which explains some of the changes and why other elements of a COVID-secure raceday must remain in place.
Please note the information below just highlights some key elements of the protocols and therefore is not exhaustive. It remains the responsibility of all persons attending any raceday to ensure they are following the most recent version of the document.
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COVID-19 restrictions are being eased across the country, but with cases numbers rising, racing must continue to do everything to protect our industry from the virus, and a scenario where large numbers of people are forced to self-isolate for 10 days due to close contact with infected individuals.
Therefore, some infection control measures will remain in place on the racecourse, particularly around the Weighing Room Complex, to help safeguard the industry from disruption:
- The Weighing Room Complex will remain a strictly controlled area, with access restricted to those working in or requiring access to the area during a raceday – i.e., jockeys, valets, medical staff and some BHA and racecourse officials.
- Equipment transfer will continue to take place outside the weighing room, thus limiting the need for trainers or stable staff to enter the Weighing Room Complex.
- To continue to limit the number of people accessing the Stewards’ Room, if a Trainer is called for an enquiry, infection control measures will remain in place to reduce risk (i.e. mask wearing, sanitising, social distancing).
- Virtual declarations will remain, with no on-course declarations. As such, trainers are asked to continue to register a member of stable staff who will be the primary contact for each runner and complete the Raceday Privileges process using the online declaration process on Racing Admin.
- Trainers can return to pre-COVID entry arrangements, where they access the racecourse using the PASS entrance, although pre-registration via PASS is encouraged.
- Trainers and Stable Staff will not be asked to complete any pre-raceday or on-course medical screening, but should continue to bring photos ID and are encouraged to check-in on arrival at the racecourse using the NHS COVID-19 App.
- Some courses may be required by government or local public health teams to continue to collect contact details from all attendees. This will be communicated by the racecourse.
- Stable Passes will be required for entry to the Stable Yard. So please ensure they are up to date.
Face coverings and social distancing
In the Weighing Room Complex, face coverings and social distancing at 1-metre-plus will continue to be required.
However, elsewhere on course, government requirements from 19 July will vary across England, Scotland, and Wales. As such we advise carrying a face covering with you at all times.
For instance, in England, face coverings are no longer a legal requirement, whereas in Scotland and Wales they remain mandatory in certain settings, including indoor areas.
Even where face coverings are not required by law, it is recommended that they are worn, particularly in enclosed and crowded areas. This will help reduce the risk to ourselves and others.
It is also important that anyone travelling to Scottish or Welsh fixtures familiarises themselves with the relevant government guidance before travelling to the meeting.
Vaccination and lateral flow testing
Vaccination against COVID-19 remains the most effective means of bolstering our own protection against the virus, but also safeguarding the racing industry from the risk of disruption.
Therefore, everyone in racing is encouraged to accept their two doses of the vaccination or book an appointment if eligible as soon as possible.
We also advise regular lateral flow testing (at least twice per week), which is available for people without symptoms of the virus. Please visit the NHS website for details on how to get regular tests.
