Vic field sizes capped to reduce numbers

Victorian fields will be capped along with the number of races at any meeting as the sport continues amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Metropolitan field sizes will be kept to a maximum of 14 starters while at country meetings field sizes will be restricted to 12 to better assist Racing Victoria with social distancing measures.

In continuing to review their protocols in response to the COVID-19 crisis, RV says no more than nine races will be run on a day.

RV may, however, use its discretion on field sizes for black-type races.

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Chief executive Giles Thompson said RV continued to review the situation on a daily basis.

“Whilst racing and training is currently permitted to continue in Victoria under strict biosecurity protocols, we cannot rest on our laurels,” Thompson said.

“The introduction of maximum field limits of 14 starters at metropolitan tracks and 12 at country tracks seeks to further reduce the number of required race day attendees and assists in ensuring appropriate social distancing occurs.

“In determining the differing field limits between metropolitan and country tracks, consideration was given to size, infrastructure and average field sizes.”