UNCERTAINTY surrounds the immediate future of harness racing in Victoria after Tuesday's night's meeting at Lord's Raceway in Bendigo was cancelled.
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Harness Racing Victoria advised of the cancellation through its social media accounts at about 3.20pm on Tuesday, about three hours before the first of eight races was to be run.
It follows hot on the heels of the temporary suspension of all harness racing meetings in New South Wales in response to an industry participant in that state coming into contact with a person, who has tested positive to COVID-19.
The participant attended last Thursday night's meeting at Penrith and is awaiting the results of medical testing.
HRV chief executive officer Dayle Brown said the decision to cancel the Bendigo meeting was taken as a precautionary step in response to the situation in New South Wales.
"HRNSW has suspended racing in that state pending the outcome of its investigations, including contact tracing," he said.
"HRV has taken the precautionary step to suspend tonight's race meeting at Bendigo while we investigate the implications for any Victorian personnel who may have subsequently come into contact with at-risk individuals.
"Our position must always be to first protect the health and wellbeing of our participants and staff.
"We will advise further in due course."
HRV on Monday announced further strict measures to protect harness racing populations from the spread of the coronavirus, including a ban on interstate nominations and drivers from entering Victorian race meetings.
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