Nick Souquet and David O'Prey support mandatory COVID jab

The new policy announced on Tuesday means all trainers, jockeys, stable staff and race day officials must have at least had their first vaccination dose by October 16.

Participants who don't comply won't be allowed on Victorian racecourses or public training centres.

They have until November 27 to be fully vaccinated.

The policy does not include crowds at this stage.

Racing Victoria is one of the first sports in the world to implement the policy.

Souquet felt it was inevitable that other sports would eventually follow suit.

"It's a sign of the times and the most practical solution to protect people's livelihoods and health and safety of all participants," Souquet said.

"I think the majority of participants will get the jab, no questions asked.

"But there will be a small minority of people who will say it's a free country and won't tolerate being told what to do.

"Anti vaxxers and people who won't get the jab make me laugh.

"Because they are usually the ones who go to a nightclub on a weekend and throw 10 pingers down their throat and have no idea what's in them.

"But then are the first to say I'm not getting the jab because I don't know what it will do to my body.

"I can't understand it."

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Souquet has already had his first vaccination and is due to have his second dose next week.

Trainer David O'Prey has also had his first jab.

"I haven't got any issues at all, I think we should all get the jab so we can get back to a normal life," O'Prey said.

"You don't have a choice about getting vaccinated for whooping cough as a child and I can't see COVID being any different.

"Most of the people I know in racing have already had the one jab."

Meanwhile Blaike McDougall's recent move to Victoria has led to the golden opportunity of Group One success.

McDougall has been booked to ride Ballistic Lover in the $1 million Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on AFL grand final eve.

The Joe Pride-trained sprinter is a $15-chance in futures markets and won in listed grade at Moonee Valley at her most recent start.

Souquet who is close mates with McDougall off the track is confident he will succeed in the ultra-competitive jockey ranks in Melbourne.

"I think Blaike will make a name for himself down there and he deserves to be there," Souquet said.

"He is too good a rider for the bush.

"I told him to have a crack while his kids are young and not settled at school yet.

"It gets a lot tougher when they get settled at school and you have to move them."

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