Racing at US track Del Mar has been suspended after 15 jockeys returned positive tests for coronavirus.
The California venue, which was built by the Thoroughbred Club with founding member Bing Crosby providing leadership, was due to hold meetings on Friday, Saturday and Sunday but these have now been cancelled after the positive tests.
Leading riders Victor Espinoza and Flavien Prat are the two that have been affected the most by Covid-19 and the pair, along with the other 13 jockeys, will now isolate for 10 days.
Speaking on the matter, Medical director of San Diego epidemiology and immunisation department, Dr Eric McDonald, said: “Assuming these individuals continue to show no symptoms, they will be isolated for a total of 10 days and should be able to resume their usual activities, including riding after that time.”
The news comes at a time when California is being hit hard by the coronavirus, with the state having 353,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19, the second-most in the country behind New York.
It is hoped that racing will return at Del Mar on July 24 and chief executive of the track, Joe Harper, said: “Canceling this weekend’s races will give us additional time to monitor the situation and give the individuals who tested positive additional time to recover.”
