A CHAMPION trainer barred from racing because he is unvaccinated fumed: “I don’t care what people think of me.”
Hong Kong ace Caspar Fownes, 54, who is pro-vaccine, says he is ‘medically exempt’ from having the jab.
Racing bosses in the area have taken a strict stance on admittance to courses in light of rising coronavirus cases and a recent positive at Happy Valley.
The sport is taking place behind closed doors there and essential staff are only allowed in if they have been fully vaccinated.
Fownes, who won his fourth championship last year, can go about training as normal at home, mixing with those allowed on-course.
But his personal status means he has been barred from going to the races since January 12 – a decision he insists ‘doesn’t really make sense’.
Fownes said: “It’s an unfortunate situation.
“I’m pro-vaccine, I support science but a few friends of mine and some people I’ve worked with have had some complications when they’ve had it, and I’ve got some complications, so it’s not straightforward.
“It really depends on what the government does but it looks as though the restrictions will be extended, like they are in nearly every other country, and that’s going to impact on what happens with the races.
“It’s not affected my work in any way.
“I’m still out there every day working and seeing the same people, but you’re only able to attend the races if you are fully vaccinated.
“I’m medically exempt from taking the vaccine but it looks like I might have to take something to go racing at some point as I think the restrictions will stay in place from the government, but we’ll just have to see.
“I’m seeing the same people every day that I’d see at the races but then I can’t go, which doesn’t really make sense but it is what it is.
“I’ve trained nearly 1,000 winners so I don’t care what people think of me.”
Fownes’ case quickly follows that of top Australian jockey William Pike, who has been banned from racing because he is unvaccinated.
Pike, 35, has won just under £55million in his career in the saddle.
He says he could be left with no choice but to end his career prematurely due to his vaccination status.
Pike also said he had ‘enormous concerns’ over government regulations requiring athletes to be double jabbed.
Covid rules in the country recently saw Novak Djokovic deported just days before the start of the Australian Open.
FREE BETS GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to SE. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
