Qld jockeys to be restricted to one region

Queensland jockeys will have to choose a region to ride in during the coronavirus pandemic.

Queensland jockeys have been asked to nominate an area to ride in during the coronavirus pandemic when regional racing begins.

NSW and Victoria have already introduced segregation of riders into different groups and Queensland will be divided into five racing zones from Tuesday with jockeys restricted to just one while racing continues behind closed doors.

Some of the state’s top jockeys live on the Gold Coast but mainly ride in Brisbane.

The Gold Coast and Brisbane have been placed in different zones to maximise available horse numbers.

Jockeys Association president Glen Prentice held a state-wide phone hook up with jockeys on Thursday night to explain the situation.

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“Over the next two days will email every jockey and ask them to assign themselves to a certain region,” Prentice said.

“There will be restrictions on some who might take the Brisbane option over the Gold Coast but they are only permitted to ride work at one venue.

“It’s not ideal for everyone, but at least we’re racing and everyone is happy we’re still going.”

Prentice said there would be a stand-down period of 14 days if a jockey wanted to change regions.

The Queensland secretary of the Australian Trainers Association Cameron Partington said trainers were committed to keeping racing going.

“There are a lot of people worse off than us and we just have to work together to ensure racing continues through this,” he said.