Covid-19 forces Hunter Valley stallion parades to go virtual again
The ever popular on-farm stallion parades scheduled to take place this month in the Hunter Valley have been forced to go virtual once again due to the widening impact of Covid-19 in NSW and the subsequent state government protocols that are now in place.
The Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association (HTBA) confirmed the decision yesterday which is a blow for farms who were looking forward to showcasing their stallions directly to the public, breeders, owners and bloodstock agents after missing the opportunity to do so last year as a result of the pandemic.
HTBA representative and Darley stud manager Barley Ward-Thomas said while it’s disappointing it’s also important to do everything possible to keep the virus out of the Hunter Valley region.
“We are very fortunate that we have not seen the full effects of Covid in this area. It would be a devastating effect if it got out of Sydney into the Hunter and we are very fortunate we have not been hit by it yet.
“At this stage we are going with a virtual process for the parades which is similar to last year. Unfortunately not much has changed in terms of the Covid environment so we are really bound by that,” said Ward-Thomas.
Now that the decision has been made to go virtual many farms are rushing to arrange filming of their horses and post-production of content that will be made available for viewing online.
“It’s the new norm and given it’s the only medium now available a lot has been achieved,” Ward-Thomas continued. “Horses are still quite an emotional thing when you look at them and in the flesh is a great thing to be able to do but with good technology and filming people are certainly getting the next best thing.”
Where possible under Covid protocols that are now in place some farms will be able to arrange for small, private groups to inspect stallions.
“We will be taking people onto the farm to look at horses in small groups but again this is determined by protocols which will be strictly adhered to,” he said.
The latest Covid-19 outbreaks in NSW have also impacted on guidelines for walking-on mares this breeding season and Thoroughbred Breeders Australia has urged farms to follow directions given by public health and government officials.
“In light of the recent Covid-19 outbreaks and the emergence of the Delta strain, TBA have revised the guidelines that were developed last year for walking-on mares during the breeding season,” said TBA CEO Tom Reilly.
“The Delta variant is considered more contagious and more resistant to health controls and preventions than previous strains of the virus, and people may be highly infectious before their symptoms show.”
TBA has urged that all paperwork be completed beforehand and sent electronically where possible and that stallion farms keep a record of all people visiting their farm and walking–on mares in accordance with the relevant state or territory contract tracing requirements.
Those walking–on mares are expected to limit their contact with stallion farm staff and consider a mask-wearing policy for those coming with a walk-on mare, as well as for staff working in the covering shed. Maintaining physical distancing of 1.5 metres wherever possible has also been recommended.
Ward-Thomas commended stud farms on the job they have done so far to keep the virus at bay.
“I think we have been very fortunate and diligent to keep it out. A big hats off to the community and businesses themselves for remaining as diligent as possible and that’s a lot of the reason why we haven’t seen it here.
“Racing has endured this problem better than most other sports and it’s a real tick to the administration and diligence of people in the industry,” he said.