Aqueduct jockey protocols loosened somewhat for spring meet

Jockeys, particularly those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, should find it easier to go about their business in New York this spring.

The New York Racing Association on Tuesday released jockey protocols for the 11-day Aqueduct spring meet and the restrictions have been adjusted some.

Jockeys based out of town who want to ride at the Aqueduct meet (April 1 through 18) must provide one negative COVID-19 PCR test taken in New York within 48 hours of the day they want to ride. Previously, two negative tests in five-days were required to ride in New York.

If a jockey is fully vaccinated - meaning two weeks have passed since receiving their second shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or one shot of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine - no COVID-19 test will be required.

Members of the regular NYRA jockey colony who travel to ride at another track during the Aqueduct spring meet, will be required to provide one negative COVID-19 PCR test within 48 hours of the day they intend to ride at Aqueduct.

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Vaccinated jockeys traveling to ride at Aqueduct, as well as members of the NYRA jockey colony who travel outside of New York, will continue to be provided isolated jockey quarters at Aqueduct.

Jockeys who have traveled internationally will be required to quarantine for seven days upon their return to New York. Four days after arrival in the United States, the jockey must be tested for COVID-19. Upon receipt of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, and completion of the seven-day quarantine, the jockey may ride at Aqueduct.

Beginning April 1, jockeys who have been fully vaccinated per CDC guidelines will be permitted to enter NYRA barn areas for morning training and can work horses. Jockeys who have not been fully vaccinated will not be permitted in the barn area but can continue to meet horses in the Belmont paddock and utilize the main track.

Belmont’s main track is scheduled to open for training on April 2.

Jockey protocols for the Belmont Park spring/summer meet, which begins April 22, will be announced closer to the meet.