Coronavirus temperature check failure sees Archie Watson runner withdrawn

Jam And Mam became the first horse to be refused entry to a British racecourse due to restrictions around Covid-19 at Doncaster on Sunday.

The three-year-old filly was in line to make her debut for trainer Archie Watson in the eighth race at Doncaster, the first division of the mile three-year-old handicap.

All attendees at British racecourses must pass a temperature check before they are admitted. Should anyone test above 37.8C, they will be refused entry as an elevated temperature is a potential indicator of illness.

It is understood one of the parties who accompanied Jam And Mam to the races produced a temperature above the threshold, meaning the entire group were not able to enter the track.

A BHA spokesman said: "Following arrival at the course, one of the members of staff travelling with Jam And Mam failed to meet the screening requirements to enter.

"In order to ensure that behind closed doors racing is as safe and secure an environment as possible for all attendees and minimise any risk of spreading Covid-19, those travelling with the horse were not able to enter the racecourse and as such the horse was declared a non-runner.

"This is in accordance with the protocols developed with organisations from across the racing industry, which are designed to safeguard the health of all those attending."

Officials at Doncaster did not comment as the testing and screening is conducted by the BHA, although they did point out that the protocols are clear and no risks can be taken.

Racing returned in Britain on June 1 after a 76-day shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. Strict health and safety measures, drawn up by the BHA's chief medical adviser Dr Jerry Hill and implemented by Brant Dunshea, the BHA chief regulatory officer, are in place for all meetings.

Watson chose not to comment on the incident.

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