TOP American jockey Javier Castellano has tested positive for Covid-19.
He is the first big-name rider based in the United States to publicly announce he has coronavirus.
Racing has continued behind closed doors in several states, including at Gulfstream Park in Florida where Castellano last rode on 15 March.
His agent, John Panagot, said the Miami track asked the jockey to take a mandatory physical, including a test for the virus.
The results returned a positive, though Castellano is not displaying any symptoms.
Panagot said: “Javier is asymptomatic and feels fine and healthy. He jogged three miles Wednesday and looked forward to the weekend.”
2/2- orders to quarantine for the next 2 weeks. I have had no known contact with anyone that has tested positive. I appreciate the support from everyone including Gulfstream Park. Stay safe everyone and we will all get through this God willing
— Javier Castellano (@jjcjockey) March 26, 2020
It is unclear where Castellano contracted the virus, which has caused a chaos in the sporting world.
However, he rode at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas the same day New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton, who has since tested positive, presented a trophy at the races.
Gulfstream is due to stage to the Grade 1 Floriday Derby in front of an empty grandstand this weekend.
The course said in a statement: “We have been operating in full compliance with all executive orders issued by the state of Florida and have, in fact, initiated stringent measures for the protection of all of our essential personnel, including our jockeys.
“It is because of our strict protocols requiring all jockeys to be screened prior to entering the facility that Javier’s symptoms were recognised and he was able to be tested for which we know he is thankful.
“Javier will not be able to return to riding at Gulfstream Park until after his mandatory 14-day quarantine is complete and he has received a clean bill of health from his medical practitioner.
“We wish him a speedy and complete recovery.”
