Racing Australia offices are currently continuing to operate as normal to support the Principal Racing Authorities, Race Clubs and participants as the industry moves to the continuation of racing from Monday 16 March based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer to Commonwealth and State Governments in relation to public gatherings of over 500 people.
Racing Australia continues to invest in the ongoing development, enhancement and testing of a robust Business Continuity Plan. As an extension of the existing Business Continuity Plan, a Health Emergency Continuity Plan has been developed and more recently a specific Coronavirus (COVID19) Response Plan has also been developed to ensure the continuity of services provided by Racing Australia.
Given the constantly evolving situation, Racing Australia continues to monitor, review and update planning and preparation as necessary in order to respond and recover in the event of a health emergency due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) which impacts on the ability of staff to work from Racing Australia’s offices.
Continuity of Services Remotely
In the event of an office close-down period, Racing Australia is ready to minimize disruption to service and ensure continuity of operations based on employees working remotely.
This includes but is not limited:
a) Racing Australia Service Centre used by trainers to lodge nominations, acceptances, withdrawals, scratchings and stable returns. Will continue to operate with no changes to the phone number or where to go online. Results, Racebook production and related customer service and help desk will also continue.
b) Australian Stud Book & Registrar of Racehorses used by Breeders and Owners. Will continue to operate with no changes to the phone number or where to go online.
c) Other functions of Racing Australia such as Finance, Network and Application Support will also continue.
Participants Encouraged to use Online and Phone Services rather than mailing forms to avoid potential delays
Participants are encouraged to use online or phone services rather than paper-based forms due to the potential of paper forms being delayed by the post or not accessible for a period of time. Where a paper form is still used participants are encouraged to scan and email the form to Racing Australia rather than sending it via mail.
Equine Genetics Research Centre
In the event the Equine Genetics Research Centre (EGRC) closes, Thoroughbred parentage testing and other breed services would be suspended for up to 14 days and, if closure of the EGRC is to last longer than 14 days, parentage testing and other breed tests would be relocated to the EGRC’s backup Lab conditional on it continuing to operate.
Racing Australia will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves, as well as retesting our continuity and preparedness in order to best manage any impact.
