Re:How will Coronavirus effect South African racing

The virus should be in full swing by the time the KZN season gets going.... Champions Day in Jozi (mass gatherings)

a month or two downtime would be a disaster for everyone, including ABC

The race tracks are normally dead with more patrons and staff than actual punters at the majority of meetings , the winter season could be different but perhaps things might be back to normal or normalish.

Common cleaning practises should be encouraged in the interim .

And minimal mass hysteria .

BTP this should not be taken lightly 1.5% death rate for those that catch it is huge

Listening to an "expert " today they are expecting this to be around for years

.....from what I read and understand the virus requires low temperatures to be most effective in transmission and for now if contained correctly should not be like Europe and Northern China at the moment......however with our temperatures as we approach winter months up in Gauteng begin dropping it could be lethal if not contained......it would wipe out all those with underlying respiratory conditions and other health conditions like TB said to be in the 100's of thousands....:ohmy:

There are a few seniors who may have experienced World War 2 and what was the situation with blackouts and the like.
I was not around then but it would be good to hear what the experience was during that dark period in history.
From the Trade Wars between the Super Economies and disagreements etc. it would appear that WW3 is here, now, without a single shot having been fired by a soldier.😢😢😢

It will certainly effect it, sales, race meetings etc.

Might be a chance to reflect and make long delayed decisions for some

We dont have to be rocket scientists to declare that racing will be brought to its knees and may never recover.

Whilst attendance at the course will be the least of our worries, the other factors appear beyond out control, if for example, just one groom at a Training Centre in the communal hostel contracts the virus.

Based upon the 100 people at a gathering, it is already impossible to hold a race meeting.... unless the whole transport issue is revised. This alone means high extra costs.

I can only speak for Summerveld. Over here, we are making huge efforts in terms of quarantine facilities, restrictions on visitors etc etc. We have all, last week already, been meeting with our staff and informing them of the relevant procedures iro prevention and hygiene etc.

The truth is that the Country as a whole will battle to get past this situation. Most small businesses which were hanging in there, will now face bankruptcy, as will Trainers.

There is, again, the other group who believe that the virus cannot be contained and that it should he left to run its course. Either way, we are in deep deep trouble.

My only comment is ...'If you are going to get the virus, you want to be one of the first. At a time when you will still get quality healthcare. Once the medical facilities are overrun.... you are basically on your own'

Gold Circle are planning to race behind close doors

They generally do....

May have to forget about racing and start thinking about ....Rationing!!!
Have heard during WW2 there was rationing enforced in S A.

South Africa had petrol rationing in the 70s.