October Update – What have we been up to?

Long time no speak!

Well, 2020 is a bit of an odd one isn’t it?

We would like to first of all make a mention to say that to anyone who has lost relatives during the recent pandemic, we offer our sincere condolences to you all, and hope you are of comfort. We are in the same boat, having lost two relatives to this horrible virus, and can say with clarity that it is not something to be scorned or ridiculed at.

On the subject of that virus and it’s subsequent consequences, it’s been a painfully bleak period on one hand for us, but on the other having to switch focus for some time has led to opportunity, a grateful light in a dark space.

We can’t say we have been unaffected, mainly for the reason above. Ultimately when racing resumed after the shutdown in March with the meeting at Newcastle in June, it was made aware that only RCA-Accredited media would be allowed to operate for the time being. Now despite going places last season, and having our best season yet, we don’t possess one of those passes as of yet. Whilst we normally apply for accreditation at racecourses, this is a pass issued by the RCA themselves, and normally it is acquired after a large amount of years of experience and coverage, so it is a hugely respectable honour to be granted one of those.

It’s our overall goal for us to achieve one of those, and whilst we have applied for our pass in June, the word from the RCA is that the applications are on a computer in a quarantined office. So, as we can’t have any dispensation to operate, even though we have completed the BHA COVID-19 Questionnaire and have the certificate, until we either get our passes approved or more media are authorised to operate in addition to the skeleton crew out now that are allowed to cover meetings, we are not able to attend meetings. We can however attend the gallops at racing yards, so we are not totally out of action at present.

It’s not a pleasant situation to be in, where you are segregated away from the track, as it has taken a huge hit on our financial and mental health, so we would be very appreciative of any assistance and update towards getting us, and plenty of other media who are also left out in the cold, back onto a racecourse and able to operate and bring you all the coverage we have worked so hard to achieve. So when you feel disappointed that you cannot attend a racecourse as a paying punter, just spare a thought for the likes of us who cannot get back to a course yet for reasons beyond their control.

We are hopeful of returning ASAP, and would hope the RCA, BHA and RCA are doing their best to get us back by speaking directly to the Government to encourage them to allow media such as us to return. Do not stop lobbying your MP for racing to return, as a lot more people in the industry need the return of crowds to be able to survive and maintain their livelihoods. It is scandalous that you can sit inside a pub or restaurant indoors, but can’t attend the races outdoors, where it is easier to social distance, and in a situation where many people who have been lucky enough to attend the trials, such as the recent one at Warwick, have said they feel the safest they have been in months at. Lets just hope the Government comes to it’s senses very quickly and allows the return of crowds.

So, after a rather large introduction, where we have outlined the difficulties at present that we and countless others face, the next few posts are an indication of what we at JTW Equine Images have been up to over the last few months.