Jockeys Vargas, Samuel test positive for COVID-19

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Jockeys Jorge Vargas Jr. and Jalon Samuel both tested positive for COVID-19 and will be off their mounts at Aqueduct this weekend, according to a release from the New York Racing Association.

Vargas, who was not named to ride at Aqueduct Friday, was scheduled to ride five horses Saturday, including Hagler in the $150,000 Jerome Stakes. He was named on two horses Sunday. Samuel was taken off his one mount Friday and his other mount scratched. Samuel had two mounts Saturday and one Sunday.

Vargas rode three horses Thursday at Aqueduct, winning the first on D’vinicris. According to NYRA, Vargas tested positive Friday after developing mild symptoms overnight. NYRA said Vargas did not experience symptoms during Thursday’s card.

Samuel was not at Aqueduct on Thursday and sought testing after developing mild symptoms, according to NYRA.

Under the most updated federal and state health and safety protocols, Vargas and Samuel will be permitted to ride beginning Thursday provided they are asymptomatic.

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All jockeys are required to be vaccinated to ride at Aqueduct. Facemasks are required at all times for people on NYRA property.

Beginning Saturday, the jockeys will be socially distanced in the jockeys’ room, similar to the protocols that were put in place earlier this year, according to a NYRA spokesman.