Officials from Del Mar confirmed the number of jockeys affected and stated that none of the riders showed any symptoms and that they would self-isolate at home. The medical director at the San Diego epidemiology and immunisation department, Eric McDonald, said, “assuming these individuals continue to show no symptoms, they will be isolated for a total of ten days. They should be able to resume their usual activities, including riding after that time.”
Racing resumed behind closed doors at Del Mar on July 10th, and officials are confident that racing will start again this week. They are adding an extra day of racing on Monday to account for the lost meetings.
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club executive vice president for racing Tom Robbins said, “Adding a race card on Monday, July 27th provides our horsemen and women with additional opportunities to run their horses”. He added that there would be two further additional days added at Del Mar to make up for the two days lost, the dates will be announced at a later date.
The CEO of Del Mar, Joe Harper, explained that the track’s closure would give management additional time to assess the situation and allow time for those infected to recover. One of the affected jockeys Umberto Rispoli said, “I’m feeling more than well, quarantined, and looking forward to coming back stronger than before.”
In addition to the track closure, officials also introduced travel restrictions for jockeys. Only jockeys based in California will be eligible to race at the track and riders who race at other venues will be barred from running at Del Mar for the rest of the summer season.
Del Mar, like all American tracks, doesn’t allow spectators due to the pandemic and has strict safety measures in place. All riders, trainers and support staff must have their temperature checked on arrival at the track. Face coverings must be worn, and social distancing rules are in place. Additional handwashing and sanitising facilities have been installed.
Staff at Del Mar regularly disinfect the course and facilities before, between and after races and meetings at the track are scheduled to run until September 7th which is American Labor Day.
