Soumillon misses Tarnawa Breeders' Cup ride after testing positive for Covid-19

Christophe Soumillon will miss his rides at the Breeders’ Cup meeting, including the strongly fancied Tarnawa in the Turf on Saturday, after twice testing positive for Covid-19.

The leading jockey received a positive result from a Covid-19 test that was administered on-site on Wednesday under the Breeders’ Cup comprehensive health and safety protocols.

A second test was immediately performed which confirmed the initial diagnosis, with Colin Keane replacing Soumillon on Tarnawa.

Dermot Weld, trainer of Tarnawa, said: “Christophe has twice tested positive for Covid in America so Colin Keane will ride.

“The advantage Christophe had is that he knows her very well and she takes a bit of knowing. He has won two Group 1s on her.

“That said, Colin is a very good rider and I'm delighted to have him on board. The filly is in very good form. The ground might be a little quick for her, but we'll take our chance and see how she goes.”

Tarnawa: leading claims in the Breeders' Cup TurfCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Tarnawa is unbeaten in three starts this year, and most recently landed the Group 1 Prix de l’Opera at Longchamp.

Soumillon was also due to partner Order Of Australia for Aidan O’Brien in the Fanduel Breeders’ Cup Mile.

This was the only positive result out of the 55 tests administered to all Breeders’ Cup jockeys. According to the procedures in place, Soumillon immediately departed the Keeneland grounds to enter into isolation. At the time he was not displaying any symptoms.

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