Racing suspended at Aqueduct after worker tests positive for coronavirus

The New York Racing Association announced on Thursday racing at Aqueduct will be suspended until further notice because of changing circumstances in the racing community relative to coronavirus.

A backstretch worker who lives and works at Belmont Park tested positive Thursday morning for the virus. Following NYRA's Preparedness and Response Plan, the worker has been quarantined since developing symptoms. His roommate was also quarantined.

NYRA's Preparedness and Response Plan committee has established clear protocols and processes following the latest health guidance established by the New York State Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

"This individual and his roommate have been in isolation since prior to racing last Friday and as such did not travel to Aqueduct for live racing," NYRA CEO and president Dave O'Rourke said. "We are working with the county and state departments of health to ensure proper quarantine and sterilization practices will continue to be followed moving forward.

"We are focused on ensuring the health and safety of our entire backstretch community, as well as the horses in their care. Accordingly, we are immediately suspending racing operations until further notice to devote all our attention and resources to this effort."

The Preparedness and Response Plan committee, which consists of NYRA staff members as well as representatives from the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, the Backstretch Employee Service Team, and the New York Race Track Chaplaincy of America, has closely monitored and assessed COVID-19 developments over the past several weeks to develop key protocols to monitor and manage both the Aqueduct and Belmont properties.

"At this point in the COVID-19 crisis, we all need to be 100 per cent focused on the health of our staff and the welfare of our horses," NYTHA president Joe Appelbaum said. "When the industry comes out the other side of this—and we will—having as many healthy horses and humans as possible will be paramount."

Irad Ortiz has decided to stop riding during the coronavirus outbreakCredit: Edward Whitaker

Irad Ortiz, the Eclipse Award-winning jockey of 2018-19, tweeted on Thursday he would cease riding in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.

"After a lot of consideration, I have decided to stop riding," he tweeted. "This is the safest decision for my family and myself. Hopefully, we can all make it safely out of this quarantine sooner than later and get back to what we all love."

Ortiz rode on Thursday at Gulfstream Park, winning two of six races. The South Florida track has been racing without spectators.

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