Santa Anita jockeys have COVID-19 tests undergo 'recheck'

The weekly coronavirus tests administered Wednesday to a group of jockeys at Santa Anita had to be "rechecked" on Friday before the riders were cleared to participate in races, according to a track statement.

The statement said “some screenings were rechecked” after initial tests were inconclusive.

“All of the jockeys at Santa Anita Park have tested negative for COVID-19 and racing will continue as schedule(d) this afternoon,” the statement said.

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Some jockeys who arrived at the track early Friday for workouts were denied entrance and told to return home before the second tests had been conducted.

Since racing resumed on May 15, riders have undergone weekly tests for coronavirus on Wednesdays and have lived in temporary quarters on racetrack property on racing days. Jockeys and the other limited personnel involved in the day-to-day operation of racing have undergone daily temperature checks.

Santa Anita is operating through June 21, without spectators and with a limited number of employees required to conduct racing. Trainers with runners participating in a given race are allowed in the stands. Owners have not been permitted to attend.

Aidan Butler, the executive director of California racing operations for The Stronach Group, the track’s parent company, said in Friday’s statement that a second round of tests was needed to “investigate” the initial tests.

“Everyone must test to get into the restricted zone,” Butler said. “We have the strictest protocols in the country, and this is precisely why – to keep everyone safe.”

Santa Anita did not race for seven weeks from late March to mid-May after being ordered shut by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health because of the pandemic. County health officials permitted the track to reopen in mid-May without spectators.