Ryan Moore to miss Saudi jockeys' challenge as coronavirus closes borders

Ryan Moore will not take part in the jockeys' challenge on the opening day of the inaugural Saudi Cup meeting today due to delays caused by the global outbreak of coronavirus.

Saudi Arabia took the unprecedented step of temporarily banning foreign pilgrims from entering the country after more than 330 cases were confirmed around the Middle East, most of them in Iran, and has also decided to deny entry to non-religious travellers from countries where the virus has spread.

There has yet to be a reported case in Saudi Arabia but travel arrangements have been complicated for Moore, who last week was riding in Hong Kong, which has had more than 80 confirmed cases.

Organisers do not anticipate further disruption and have worked behind the scenes to organise alternative arrangements for international jockeys ahead of the $20 million Saudi Cup on Saturday.

Ryan Moore (left) Frankie Dettori (right): in action at the Saudi Cup meetingCredit: Edward Whitaker

It is understood Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al Faisal, chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, has enabled them to enter the country through a royal decree.

It had been understood Moore was taking a flight on Thursday lunchtime but he is now expected to arrive today.

The outbreak of the virus has had a damaging effect on racing globally and the Japan Racing Association has banned racegoers from attending meetings from Saturday in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

A 16th case of the virus was confirmed in Britain yesterday, however Cheltenham officials on Wednesday confidently predicted the outbreak would not affect this year’s festival.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has also taken measures to limit attendance at its fixtures in recent weeks, something Japan's regulator announced it would also do on Thursday.

Cards are scheduled for Nakayama, Chukyo and Hanshin on Saturday, while the same venues are also due to race on Sunday.

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