A rash of COVID-19 cases has hit jockeys at Parx Racing just outside Philadelphia.
Jockeys are now barred from the backside area adjoining the track, a prominent trainer told PlayPennsylvania.
A text alert read: “Until further notice: jockeys are not allowed in stable area.”
Repeat problem for Parx
Parx has not commented on the issue. In August, they suspended racing for two days due to a smaller outbreak.
Industry publications, the Paulick Report and the Daily Racing Form, report nine jockeys are infected. A track official has confirmed that number.
The racing publications also say an official has tested positive.
Still racing at Parx
Parx has made no public comment about the situation and has continued to race. Their current schedule is Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, with ten races each day.
Mychel Sanchez, a leading jockey at Parx, has tweeted that he was asymptomatic after testing positive and would return in two weeks.
I Have not symptoms and feel perfectly fine but tested positive for Covid🙏🏇🏾 good luck to all I’ll be back in 2 weeks 🙏🏇🏾 pic.twitter.com/V8bnsy6QBq
— Mychel Sanchez (@SanchezMychel) November 23, 2020
Eight additional jockeys did not run Monday.
Jockeys Guild leader confirms three top riders out
At least nine riders have tested positive for coronavirus, including the top three jockeys at the track, Terry Meyocks, the Jockeys’ Guild president, told the Daily Racing Form.
He declined to name the jockeys for DRF. But Meyocks added, “We’re trying to keep racing going while keeping everyone safe,” explaining new protocols were added for distancing.
The issue is unmentioned on Parx social media, focusing instead on the nice weather.
The virus is an issue at racks nationwide. More than 200 workers at Golden Gate Field in California have recently tested positive. That track shut down on Nov. 17.
