covid-19 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Two Aqueduct Jockeys Off Mounts After Testing Positive For COVID-19

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced on Friday that jockeys Jorge A. Vargas, Jr. and Jalon Samuel have tested positive for COVID-19 and will be off their mounts for the remainder of the weekend.

All members of the NYRA jockey colony are vaccinated and adhere to established protocols.

Vargas, Jr. rode races on Thursday, Dec. 30, and sought testing Friday after developing mild symptoms overnight. Vargas, Jr. did not experience symptoms during Thursday's card.

Samuel had no mounts during Thursday's card and was not on-site at Aqueduct. He sought testing after developing mild symptoms on Thursday.

NYRA follows the most updated federal and state guidance regarding contact tracing, testing, required isolation, and quarantine. Accordingly, Vargas and Samuel will be permitted to return to competition on Thursday, Jan. 6, if they are asymptomatic.

In accordance with New York City requirements, anyone seeking to enter Aqueduct Racetrack in any capacity must demonstrate proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Face masks are required at all times on NYRA property.

The post Two Aqueduct Jockeys Off Mounts After Testing Positive For COVID-19 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Negative LFT Required For UK Weighing Room Entry

Every person entering a UK weighing room on a raceday will be required to present on arrival evidence of a negative Lateral Flow Test (LFT) beginning on Jan. 5, the British Horseracing Authority announced on Thursday. This mandate dovetails with the requirements introduced on Dec. 15, and is in response to the continued increase in COVID-19 cases. The LFT should be completed on each day of racing prior to travelling. Proper evidence of a negative LFT must be demonstrated either via the NHS App, or an NH text message or email address confirming the result. If the required evidence of a negative LFT is not presented, the person will not be allowed in the weighing room.

BHA Chief Medical Adviser, Dr. Jerry Hill, said, “Racing's COVID-19 mitigation strategy continues to focus on protecting our business-critical raceday personnel, whose absence due to illness or isolation may result in us struggling to staff fixtures.

“The introduction of mandatory pre-raceday lateral flow testing for Weighing Room workers is therefore another important step to help safeguard our people and the racing product.

“Vaccination remains an essential part of the fight against COVID-19, reducing the likelihood of serious illness; and combined with regular testing, we are taking the necessary precautions to minimise our chances of catching and spreading the disease in this core work environment.”

For more information and how to obtain LFTs, please visit the BHA website.

The post Negative LFT Required For UK Weighing Room Entry appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Numbers Limited For Irish Stallion Trail

Next year's Irish Thoroughbred Marketing (ITM) Irish Stallion Trail will be open only to breeders and those directly involved in the breeding industry owing to ongoing concerns over rising Covid-19 infections.

More than 25 stallion farms are planning to open their doors on Friday, Jan. 14 and Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022. In previous years the trail has been open to racing fans and members of the public. Those who have already registered will unfortunately no longer be able to attend.

Visitors wishing to attend the trail will need to register via the ITM website, stating which studs they would like to visit. All visitors will have to comply with a Covid-19 code of conduct developed by Horse Racing Ireland Health and Safety and available on the ITM website.

Due to high demand, it is mandatory to register for a specific date and time slot to visit Coolmore Stud. Visitors to Coolmore Stud will also be required to show a valid Covid Certificate.

“We are pleased that the ITM Irish Stallion Trail is able to go ahead this January, but feel it is in the best interests of farms and public health to limit attendance to the breeding industry,” said Charles O'Neill of ITM.

“Irish stallion farms stand some of the most successful sires on the planet and make a significant contribution to the Irish economy. While we are keen to promote Irish thoroughbred breeding to a broad audience through the trail, we recognise our responsibility to minimise risk to farms ahead of the covering season and do what is right regarding public health.”

The post Numbers Limited For Irish Stallion Trail appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

New COVID Protocols Begin Dec. 15

In accordance with the updated UK Government protocols for sports venues, the British Horse Racing Authority (BHA) issued an outline of protocols that enter effect Wednesday, Dec. 15.

“Racing must continue to do all we can to protect the health and livelihoods of our people and maintain business continuity,” said Dr. Jerry Hill, BHA's Chief Medical Adviser. “These measures are considered essential to support this objective at a time where cases of the Omicron variant of the virus are increasing exponentially and other sports are facing COVID-related fixture cancellations.

All attendees at fixtures in England where attendance is likely to exceed 4,000 will require evidence of COVID status certification. This will apply to individuals 18 or over. To enter the racecourse, individuals must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have completed a negative lateral flow or PCR test a maximum 48 hours out, unless medically exempt. Any individuals entering weighing rooms will be subject to the same conditions. Face masks will also be required in all outdoor settings, as well as indoor settings unless food or drink is being consumed.

For more information on the BHA's procedures (updated periodically), click here.

The post New COVID Protocols Begin Dec. 15 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post