UPDATE 10.30am: The Ballarat Turf Club has issued a statement regarding the COVID scare at its training complex.
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It comes after at least two stable staff at Ciaron Maher Racing's site in Miners Rest have reportedly tested positive to COVID.
BTC chief executive Belinda Glass said the club was working with Racing Victoria and regarding biosecurity measures after it was revealed some positive COVID-19 test results had been linked to it.
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"Racing Victoria (RV) have had bio-security measures and strict protocol in place since the start of the pandemic and while we hoped that we'd never be in a situation where a covid positive was confirmed within a stable, there was protocol to follow Wednesday when this was identified," Ms Glass said.
"The club worked closely and rapidly with RV and private testing teams to coordinate testing of the stable participants and their close contacts within a few hours of the original notification.
"The industry protocol provide clear guidelines for RV staff supported by clubs to contact trace and isolate participants as required and BTC has measures in place to ensure that horses are still safely worked at facilities in isolation, during any period of lockdown for a stable" she said.
Racing is one industry that has managed to go through the past 20 months relatively unscathed, despite crowds being banned from race days.
"We're exceptionally grateful that we have been able to continue racing in a safe manner behind closed doors during the pandemic and it is a credit to the industry and our staff that this has been achieved," Ms Glass said.
"We don't take it for granted and the club will continue to work closely with industry and the stable to ensure all requirements associated with the positive tests are met."
EARLIER: At least two stable staff at Ciaron Maher Racing's site in Miners Rest have reportedly tested positive to COVID.
According to metropolitan media reports, the staff members returned positive results on Wednesday and others are waiting for results.
The source of infection remains unknown.
The Age reports the outbreak is unlikely to jeopardise the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival at this point.
Racing Victoria said it had been made aware of an outbreak and was trying to gather information on the situation.
"RV (Racing Victoria) and the stable have today facilitated COVID testing of the stable's employees and other persons identified through the industry's contact tracing process," it said in a statement.
"RV and the [turf club] are implementing arrangements to ensure that appropriate care and exercise can be afforded to the stable's horses by designated staff pending receipt of those test results."
Ballarat recorded nine new COVID cases on Wednesday, meaning there are now 66 active cases in the city.
However, the cases related to the racing stable are likely to be included in today's numbers.
The City Oval Hotel was the only local exposure site added to the list yesterday.
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