GEORGE TOWN: Horse racing at the Penang Turf Club has been cancelled due to the number of Covid-19 cases being reported there.

       A club spokesman said yesterday that the decision was taken after Covid-19 cases were detected in various departments and the club was doing everything possible to control the spread.

       “We have detected over 10 Covid-19 positive cases and close contacts.

       “A Covid-19 case was detected at a stable last week, and another one this week at the same stable.

       “Hence, we took the decision to stop all races and sanitise the areas.

       “We have about 160 staffers who are now working on alternate days,” said the spokesperson.

       In the statement released by the club, it said races this coming Saturday and Sunday would be cancelled and immediate sanitisation would be carried out.

       Penang trainer Cecil Robert said the move to shut down the race this weekend was a good thing as Omicron was still a threat to trainers, jockeys, punters and workers.

       “All my workers at the stables, numbering more than 15, have received their booster shots. However, I continue to remind them to be vigilant.

       “The Omicron variant is so contagious and spreads so fast,” said the 66-year-old.

       Prior to this, races at Batu Gantong were held every Saturday and Sunday, and limited to 500 fully vaccinated fans.

       On Sunday, Malaysia recorded 24,466 new cases, while Penang logged 1,548 cases.