COVID protocols | Horse Racing Free Tips

Rodriguez Castro Tests Positive for COVID

Jockey Luis Rodriguez Castro tested positive for COVID-19 and will remain off his mounts through Thursday, Jan. 20, according to the New York Racing Association Saturday. Rodriguez Castro will be permitted to return to competition Friday, Jan. 21 should he remain asymptomatic.

All members of the NYRA jockey colony are vaccinated and adhere to established protocols. In addition, the jockey quarters at Aqueduct Racetrack have been altered to provide maximum physical distancing and reduce density. NYRA follows the most updated federal and state guidance regarding contact tracing, testing, required isolation, and quarantine.

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Franco Tests Positive for COVID-19

Jockey Manuel Franco tested positive for COVID-19 Tuesday and will remain off his mounts until Sunday, Jan. 9. All members of the New York Racing Association jockey colony are vaccinated and adhere to established protocols. In addition, the jockey quarters at Aqueduct have been substantially altered to provide maximum physical distancing and reduce density. Franco has not experienced symptoms and was proactively tested because of standard contact tracing following the positive tests of jockeys Jorge Vargas, Jr. and Jalon Samuel Dec. 31. Vargas and Samuel will be permitted to ride Jan. 6, at Aqueduct provided they are asymptomatic following five days in isolation.

NYRA follows the most updated federal and state guidance regarding contact tracing, testing, required isolation, and quarantine. Accordingly, Franco will be permitted to return to competition Jan. 9, should he remain asymptomatic.

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

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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.

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Letter to the Editor: Susie Hart

Thank you for publishing all of those comments on Covid protocols at the upcoming sales. Something that I think is worth mentioning that no one spoke about is the role that veterinarians play and the risk they take going into stalls to perform endoscopic and physical exams. Often vets are shoulder-to-shoulder with people they don't know and have no idea if they are vaccinated or even if they are sick. The use of videoscopes has greatly reduced contact, but vets are still in very close proximity with sales help and this is a bit frightening to me. Also, it's almost impossible for vets to wear masks in the stalls because it's hard to use the endoscope. Most people handling the horses in the stalls do not have masks on. I understand not wearing them outside, but it is another concern.

The other thing that only one consignor mentioned is the fact that so often when we go to vet a horse, someone walks up and hands me a pen and card to sign with the name of the vet and client. I don't want to be rude but I don't want to be touching anything or expose myself and it's often awkward. Especially later in the sales when a lot of horses do not have videoscopes and often the consignors aren't even at the barn, we are approached by people who don't understand when I try to explain I don't want to sign their card. I'm glad Keeneland is taking extra steps this year. Good luck to buyers and sellers at the sales!

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