A BRITISH-based jockey has tested positive for COVID-19 – the first case in the weighing room since the sport resumed on June 1.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) confirmed that an apprentice rider, had caught the virus.
The unnamed jock had not raced for a number of weeks but had attended a race meeting recently.
It’s unlikely to throw the sport off course, with the first case coming two months into the restart and strict protocols remaining in place.
A BHA spokesman said: “Having been notified that an apprentice jockey had tested positive for coronavirus, the BHA has worked with the health protection agency, PJA, the jockey and their yard to assist their employer in following government guidance and managing the jockey’s recent close contacts.
“A handful of people have been identified and asked to self-isolate for 14 days as a result. Further tests taken by close contacts have not returned any further positive results.
“The jockey in question has not taken a ride for a few weeks, though attended a recent race meeting as a member of stable staff, prior to showing any symptoms and before their positive test.
“It remains important that everyone involved in the sport follows Government and racing guidelines and protocols around social distancing and environment hygiene at all times.”
The coronavirus pandemic forced a completed shutdown of racing from the middle of March until June 1.
Since the resumption, meetings have taken place behind closed doors, with all attendees required to complete a health questionnaire before each meeting and undergo temperature checks before being allowed entry.
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