Face masks for jockeys on the resumption of horse-racing

It follows publication of the sport’s public health blueprint ahead of its planned resumption on June 1 – subject to Government approval in the coming days.

The 33-page document outlines a series of measures to be employed should racing get the Government go-ahead to return to action for the first time since Wetherby’s meeting on March 17.

The Yorkshire Post confirmed on Saturday that Pontefract’s planned fixture on June 10 will be the first since the Covid-19 lockdown.

Racing still faces a number of challenges over its resumption – notably use of overnight accommodation at tracks for stable staff, and others, being prohibited.

With hotels still shut, the Professional Jockeys Association is looking to make contingency arrangements ahead of the five-day Royal Ascot fixture in mid-June to avoid jockeys, like those based in North Yorkshire, having to make a 450-mile round trip each day.

However, jockeys have been accustomed to wearing face masks – they have already been introduced successfully in France, and top jockey William Buick sported one when he rode unbeaten 2000 guineas ante-post favourite Pinatubo in a racecourse gallop at Chelmsford last week.

Trainers, stable staff and valets will also be required to wear face coverings.

Other measures include completion of an online education module and screening of all participants before they are allowed to attend a meeting.

The BHA is also planning an ongoing surveillance programme to monitor the virus in the racing communities, which will include some testing, while the sport will try to reduce the use of National Health Service services to a minimum, employing private ambulances, hospitals and medics where possible.

Social distancing officers will be appointed by the BHA to ensure all measures are implemented and strictly adhered to at all race days. Any breaches of the new rules will be reported to stewards who will have the power to take disciplinary action.

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