Coronavirus protocols stretch bush stable

Matt Dunn’s planning for a large string of horses has been put to the test amid COVID-19 protocols.

Murwillumbah trainer Matt Dunn’s logistical skills will be fully tested in the next week as his team races in widespread regions under different coronavirus restrictions.

Dunn will have at least 20 runners at up to eight different tracks on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

He has nominated horses at the Gold Coast and Port Macquarie (Friday), Doomben, Randwick, Kembla and Lismore (Saturday), Ipswich (Sunday) and Grafton (Monday).

It is not unusual for Dunn, who has about 80 horses, to have runners at various tracks but the coronavirus restrictions have left him with logistical problem.

State and federal governments have instigated the regulations which allow strictly controlled horse travel but little human movement.

“We are a bit different because we are subject to restrictions imposed in both Queensland and NSW,” Dunn said.

“Take Emma’s Jet who we have accepted with at Doomben. With horses coming from interstate they have to be in Brisbane before acceptances.”

“I can’t go and none of my staff can go unless we isolate for 14 days before coming home.” Obviously we simply can’t be away for 14 days.

“Emma’s Jet has been up with Michael Lakey since Tuesday.

“He has drawn poorly but I think he can race well before heading back.”

Dunn’s wife Keira has been with his horses in Sydney and he has been able to catch a flight when required.

“We have put really strict biosecurity measures into place because we want to ensure we keep going but it has been hard work keeping it all running but it seems to be running smoothly,” Dunn said.

“We will obviously abide by every rule so we can keep racing.”