Whether you own 1% or 100% of a horse, there’s nothing better than being on track when it wins. Even just getting a horse to the races can elude some owners, so I know how fortunate I am to have seen a few wins in my time.
I always try to get to the track for every runner, just in case it’s my lucky day but also because there’s something special in just being there. Hearing the hoofs pound the track, smelling the grass, chatting with the jockey and trainer pre-race, watching my horse parade and holding my breath for what feels like an eternity while the race is run; there’s nothing I love more.
So when I got the chance to return to the track as an owner this week, off to Kyneton I went and, as expected, it’s a very different experience under COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria.
The good bits
Just being at the track again after so many months at home was liberating, and I felt really proud that the industry I love and work in has managed to keep going throughout the turmoil of 2020. The process of registering in advance and getting in is easy, too (more below).
There are certainly no crowds to contend with, and no hospitality to indulge in, so it was a pretty quick visit. For the whole 45 minutes I was there it was all about my horse - having the down time to read the pre-race report, listen to the trainer update, watch her parade (albeit from afar), be at the fence when she cantered onto the track. It almost felt like the race was being put on just for me, and I didn’t leave tipsy or down a whole day’s punting - that’s a win!
The bad bits
The track was a virtual ghost town, to the point I was conversing with myself. It’ll come as no surprise that it just wasn’t the same as being there with other owners, enjoying the build up and indulging in the inevitable debrief. And even if there had been a small group on track, at this stage there is no access to the stalls or the mounting yard so it almost feels like you’re an intruder, spying from a distance.
I was still happy to be there, but it wasn’t my lucky day.
Rules, registrations and turning up
If, like me, you’ll take any opportunity to be there when your horse runs, here’s what you need to know.
You must register online before your raceday
This is the most important part - turning up on the day is not an option and registrations close the day prior. With only 30 owners allowed per race, you need to go online to the relevant club’s website and register to attend and you’ll get an email from the club if you’re successful. There’ll be a link to do this in the official “your horse has been accepted to race” email from Racing Victoria.
Each racing club manages registrations and arrival/departure times differently subject to their facilities and COVIDSafe Plan, so always check the club website or give them a call if you’re not sure. Some courses will have a small area for buying refreshments, but don’t count on it.
Tip: It’s first in best dressed, so watch the Racing Australia website for acceptances and jump online to the relevant racing club website as soon as you can to get registered early.
2. Pack your ID and mask
Only registered owners are allowed on track, so have your ID or Owners’ Gold Card handy.
And even though masks are no longer mandatory outside in Victoria, you’ll need to wear one until your temperature has been taken and you’ve been granted entry to the course, and if you go inside at all.
3. No name, no access
One of the privileges of being an owner is bringing a guest to the races, but for now you’ll need to leave your plus one at home (unless they are a listed owner of course).
Only named owners - including registered syndicate members - can register to attend but you’ll be kept well away from trainers, jockeys and stable staff. For obvious reasons.
4. A guaranteed quickie
At this stage owners are only allowed on course for 30-60 minutes before the race (depending on the venue), and you need to leave straight after your race, so enjoy it while it lasts.
Of course, things may change soon once the impact of restrictions easing flows through to the racing industry (like the announcement that small groups of spectators can start to be welcomed back), but pre-registration and capped owner numbers is almost certain to continue. Watch this space!
And when you do get back to the track, don’t forget to snap some pics or video and share it with your fellow owners on the Fred app!
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Read on Racenet: RV puts out welcome (back) mat for owners
