Keeneland requires COVID-19 test for jockeys

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Jockeys seeking to ride on opening day at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington on Oct. 2 will need to receive a COVID-19 test from the racetrack on Sept. 29, the track announced on Tuesday.

The requirement is part of a suite of protocols designed to lower the risk among jockeys of the spread of coronavirus during the fall meet, which runs for 17 days this year, from Oct. 2-24. Keeneland will also be the host of the Breeders’ Cup two-day event on Nov. 6-7, but protocols for riders for that event have not yet been announced.

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Under the fall-meet policies for riders, any jockey who plans to ride at the track at any time during the meet will need to test negative through a “gold standard” coronavirus test within 72 hours of the day of their first race. Any jockey who has ridden at the track and then leaves Kentucky will also need a “gold standard” test that is confirmed negative within 72 hours of returning to Keeneland, the track said.

Riders at Keeneland will be separated in six areas at the track, Keeneland said. The main jockeys’ quarters will house Kentucky-based riders, along with a separate “overflow” quarters. There will also be separate areas for New York-based riders, California-based riders, riders from other U.S. jurisdictions, and riders from international jurisdictions.

Jockeys will be banned from the stable area during the meet, but riders who want to exercise horses in the morning will be allowed to do so provided the rider mounts the horse in the paddock area and dismounts without entering the stable area, Keeneland said.

All riders will be permitted a three-pound allowance due to the sauna and steam rooms being closed, the track said.