Jockeys riding in this year’s Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks must be in the state no later than Aug. 24, a full 12 days before the race and pass two coronavirus tests, Churchill Downs will announce Monday afternoon.
A copy of the rules that apply to jockeys in all races during the fall meet were obtained by Horse Racing Nation ahead of a 1 p.m. ET online town hall meeting being conducted by Churchill Downs.
The “jockey protocols,” dated July 31, require all riders to take one test by 6 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 24, and a second before noon Monday, Aug. 31. Anyone who tests positive will be required to self-quarantine for 10 days in order to be available for the Kentucky Oaks on Sept. 4.
Anyone who has access to the jockeys room also will be required to pass a test by Aug. 31. Churchill Downs is adding an auxiliary room to expand social distancing among the riders.
The rooms will be off limits to jockeys’ families and the media. Jockeys’ agents also have been told that they will not be allowed in the stable area during a “lockdown” time until after the running of the Derby on Sept. 5.
