Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) made the decision on Tuesday after an industry participant came into direct contact with with a person who has contracted the COVID-19 virus.

The industry participant attended the race meeting at Penrith last Thursday night.

Leeton's meeting set for Tuesday night has been abandoned. HRNSW hope to resume racing as soon as Friday, pending the test results of the industry participant.

"All persons who had direct contact with the industry participant have already been notified," HRNSW said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Consequently and regrettably, HRNSW advises that harness racing will be temporarily suspended until the results of medical testing become available.

"All persons who attended the Penrith harness meeting...are advised to closely monitor their health and seek immediate medical attention should they develop flu like symptoms."

For meetings from Friday onwards, HRNSW will draw fields to 'facilitate the recommencement of harness racing at the earliest opportunity.'

Leeton Harness Racing Club was all set to conduct an eight-race TAB meeting on Tuesday night before HRNSW's announcement.

The next Riverina meeting scheduled is at Junee on Friday. Wagga races again at Riverina Paceway on Tuesday night, March 31.

HRNSW said the immediate suspension was necessary.

"The board and management of HRNSW have taken these precautionary steps for the protection of the community, industry participants and staff," the statement concluded.

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