The rise of positive COVID-19 tests in the United States has been felt in horse racing in recent weeks as a rash of jockeys testing positive for the virus has led to tracks implementing strict protocols for their riding colonies, horsepeople and staff.
In the US, jockeys will go from track to track to ride, following certain barns or horses as meetings begin and end. But with the prestigious Saratoga season set to begin tomorrow, Thursday July 16, riders there as of tomorrow must stay put and out-of-town riders are not permitted.
At least seven jockeys have been reported to test positive for COVID-19 in the last week, including some of the bigger names such as Florent Geroux and Luis Seaz. Some of these riders likely contracted the virus at the recent Los Alamitos meeting.
In Canada, jockeys do not move around from track to track other than the possibility that the occasional jockey may ride at Woodbine and head to Fort Erie for a race. In fact, protocols for jockeys, including social distancing in the jock’s room, no sauna, massage, etc. have been in place for many weeks. Jockeys are not allowed in the barn area and only work their horses by waiting outside the barn.
Since the United States has been very slow in reacting to the pandemic, it appears racing now has to essentially start at the beginning of lockdown measures.
SARATOGA, one of the most famous race meets of the year, will have racing without spectators and in fact, a perimeter fence has been put in place around the track to dissuade people from congregating in an effort to see the races.
“These measures prioritize the health and safety of the jockeys competing in New York, and are designed to combat the spread of COVID-19,” said NYRA President and CEO Dave O’Rourke. “Unfortunately, the restrictive travel policies implemented today have become necessary as cases continue to rise in states across the country.”
The 2020 Saratoga Summer Condition Book currently lists 22 active jockeys and three apprentice riders. This group is to be considered the regular NYRA jockey colony.
Out-of-town jockeys that are not currently riding at another racetrack may be considered for inclusion in the regular NYRA jockey colony provided the jockey does not ride at another racetrack beginning on Thursday, July 16.
Any jockey that rides at a racetrack outside of Saratoga beginning Thursday, July 16, will be considered an out-of-town jockey and will not be permitted at Saratoga Race Course.
All personnel working at Saratoga Race Course in any capacity are required by NYRA to produce a negative COVID-19 test in order to access the property. This policy is inclusive of jockeys, valets, NYRA employees, trainers and their staff, outside vendors and credentialed media.
In addition to race day safety protocols including standard health screening and temperature checks, the jockey quarters at Saratoga Race Course have been substantially altered to provide maximum social distancing and reduce density. All areas accessed by jockeys during the regular course of a race day are closed to all outside personnel, including credentialed media, and are cleaned and disinfected throughout the day.
Jockeys and valets are not permitted access to the barn area. In order to work a horse in the morning, the jockey must meet the horse in the paddock and can then proceed to the main track.
Jockey agents must produce a negative COVID-19 test in order to gain access to the barn area. Races will continue to be drawn via Zoom.
All common areas, as well as the jockey’s dining area, have been closed and will remain closed through the end of the meet.
The Thoroughbred Daily News reports on the Jockey’s Guild and its members across the US:
Surge in Jockey Virus Positives Met with Slew of New Restrictions
More from Canadian Thoroughbred:
