Tens of thousands of jobs on the line in horse racing fraternity
This is according to the National Horseracing Authorities following a rejection to its submission to the Coronavirus Command Centre to have horse racing activities resume behind closed doors during level 4 of the lockdown.
Horse racing activities sees millions of Rands being pumped into the economy and the agricultural sector.
Among the industry’s biggest events is the Durban July which organisers have been forced to move to a later date.
If all goes as planned the event will be staged on the 25th of July.
The event is a huge money spinner for the province and will be a major knock for the city’s economy if it does not go ahead.
Stephen Marshall represents Gold Circle- the company which runs horseracing in KZN.
"If horses cannot compete then there is no revenue for owners, trainers and jockeys", he said.
"This leads to a decrease in animal training and means people cannot afford keep horses and speaks to animal welfare", Marshall said.
"Groomers and such employment is affected as well", he said.