Track manager Marty Synan and his staff were looking to racing returning at The Valley following a four-month break.
But a COVID scare has forced Synan and his team away from Saturday’s meeting with a casual team and staff from Flemington along with Caulfield and Sandown taking over.
Synan said a staff member came into contact with a worker at the COVID testing site in the centre of the Moonee Valley racecourse during the week.
“Because we all work with him, we all have to standdown as well under RVL and State Government protocols,” Synan told RSN.
“The guy we are talking about, his tests have all come back negative. Myself and my staff, all our tests have come back negative.
“He’ll have a test on the sixth day and if that comes back clear then we can return to work on Monday.
“Due to RVL and State Government policy, we can’t be on course for six days.
“It’s our first meeting and I know my staff were all looking forward to getting back into on Saturday.”
Synan said his absence would not affect the running of Saturday’s meeting.
He said the most important thing on race day was the movement and replacement of the running rail, the movement of the barriers and someone manning the horse ambulance should it be required.
Synan added the course electrician had been entrusted with making sure the lights are switched on with the later finish to Saturday’s program.
“Robert Cram (RV chief steward) is happy with what has been put in place,” Synan said.
Saturday’s rail will be out three metres and the track rated a Soft 6.
