Originally from Tamworth, Mr Penford has been a steward for seven years, the past two at the Mid North Coast association. He's based at Port Macquarie.

Racing NSW has strict protocols in place to ensure the industry continues during the current coronavirus pandemic. There are restrictions on who can attend meetings and for how long. No spectators are permitted.

"On race day there's usually a hive of activity, especially before the first race,'' Mr Penfold said.

"But everything is so quiet now.''

He said in the last 100 metres of a race noise from spectators usually drowns everything out, even when the crowd isn't big.

"But now you can clearly hear the jockeys urging their horses along,'' he said.

"It is surreal.''

A steward's job on race day was busy enough before the protocols were introduced. Mr Penfold admits ensuring restrictions are followed adds another layer of stress, with his staff assigned extra tasks.

Mr Penfold said entry to a meeting is limited to those with the correct accreditation. Anyone else, whether they be representatives of the host club or from the media, are refused admittance.

"Jockeys have their temperatures checked when they arrive on course,'' Mr Penfold said.

The jockeys are also segregated while the meeting is in progress and social distancing rules are applied. And once trainers and jockeys have finished their commitments for the day, they have to leave. Jockeys have to shower before leaving and again have their temperature taken.

"We also use different saddle cloths for each race,'' Mr Penfold said.

"And a lot of the trainers are strapping their horses themselves now, which helps.''

Racing NSW has split the State into zones and jockeys can only ride in their area. The Mid North Coast association is part of the northern zone and this stretches from Newcastle to the Northern Rivers association.

"We have 50 jockeys in this area, which is enough for us to conduct meetings,'' Mr Penfold said.

Mr Penfold also makes unannounced visits to stables around the association of a morning during the week.

"I check to see there's no (racehorse) owners floating about,'' he explained.

"We have to ensure the only people are supposed to be there.''

He has no idea how long the protocols might be in place or if Racing NSW will look to ease some of the restrictions. However, he promised that while they're the law, every meeting conducted within the Mid North Coast Racing Association will fully comply.

"Otherwise we won't have any racing,'' Mr Penfold emphasised.

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