The Philippine Racing Commission is suspending all activities beginning Sunday in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncement of a National Capital Region-wide community quarantine from March 15 to April 14 as a result of the government’s effort to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19.
This is contained in a memo sent by Philracom Executive Director Andrew Rovie Buencamino to the heads of the three racing clubs in the country, namely Manila Jockey Club Racing Manager Jose Ramon Magboo, Philippine Racing Club Racing Manager Antonio Alcasid Jr. and Jose Rodolfo Prado Jr. of Metro Manila Turf.
In the memo, the issuance of “racing permits” shall be temporarily stopped during the duration of the quarantine or until the proclamation has been formally lifted.
All racing clubs are also ordered to temporarily suspend all regular horse racing activities.
The exercise of race horses will be on the discretion of the host racing clubs in agreement with the horseowners and trainers concerned on the premise that the objective of the proclamation is not violated, with Philracom veterinarians residing near the racing club/s assigned to monitor the activity together with the clubs’ veterinarians.
Racing clubs are also required to ensure the necessary precautions to prevent, contain and mitigate the possible transmission of the COVID-19 within their club’s premises in accordance with the general preventive measures by the Department of Heath.
The clubs are also told to expect regular visits and monitoring of their betting facilities by the commission and the Games and Amusements Board racing personnel.