The NHA is pleased to announce further amendments which are effective 1 August 2020, regarding its protocols pertaining to Racing behind closed doors. 

• Riders will be allowed ONE move to another district prior to 1 August 2020. Riders that relocate to another racing district will be restricted to race ride in that district for the month. Once a Rider has ridden in a particular district he will be restricted to race ride in that district for the month of August 2020.

 The possibility of a permitted second move later in the month will be carefully considered when taking into account all risk factors, statistics relating to Covid-19 cases and protocols determined by Government during this period.

• The adjusted minimum riding weight in Handicap races shall revert back to the normal 52kg.
• The last race must be run not later than 17h30.
• Owners are allowed to enter the racecourse subject to the strict protocols as issued by the racing operators and the Racing Association.

The NHA have informed the Racing Operators accordingly on the requirements that needs to be complied with in order to continue staging these meetings.

The status quo as per the following rules remain effective. 

• The field sizes will be restricted to 14 runners per race with the exception of ALL Pattern races in which 16 runners will be allowed.
• Previous restrictions on the movement of horses will be lifted.  Kindly note that the standard AHS movement regulations do apply.
• All Horse Transport Companies must have the necessary Permits to move horses between the training centres and race courses.
• Any persons with comorbidities shall not be able to attend a race meeting.

Further relaxations may be implemented in conjunction with the status of the Coronavirus pandemic, together with any positive changes to the Governments adjusted risk strategy from September onwards.

The NHA is again pleading to all participants to continue to self-regulate regarding prevention and hygiene practices. The Covid-19 pandemic is now in rapid growth stages in South Africa.  The scientific and worldwide statistics, forecasts that this virus will be in existence for an extended period. Individual responsibility will go a long way in assisting the South African Horseracing Industry to continue racing, creating value and to the ultimate sustainability thereof.