Top US jockey Javier Castellano tests positive for coronavirus

Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano has tested positive for the coronavirus, the rider said on social media on Thursday. He is the first major rider based in the United States to announce being infected by the virus.

Castellano's agent, John Panagot, tweeted that Gulfstream Park required the jockey to take a physical and that he was tested for coronavirus on March 24. The results of those tests were delivered Thursday.

"Javier is asymptomatic and feels fine and healthy," Panagot said on Twitter. "He jogged three miles Wednesday and looked forward to the weekend."

In a telephone interview Thursday afternoon, Panagot said Castellano was understandably concerned about his family members in New York and Florida.

Javier Castellano won the 2019 Pegasus World Cup on City Of LightCredit: Getty Images/ Michael Reaves

"When he's in Florida he lives with his mother, and she's in her mid to late 60s," Panagot said. "He came down on Sunday to ride this week, and he's been with her for three days. So that's really on his mind."

Racing is ongoing at Gulfstream Park, like other tracks still underway in front of a largely empty grandstand with attendance restricted to participating horsemen, racing officials, and necessary track staff.

Gulfstream began facing mounting political pressure this week from local officials, with Hallandale Beach's vice mayor, Sabrina Javellana, questioning why the track would continue to race in the midst of an order calling for the closure of non-essential businesses. Some tracks and horsemen have countered that the care of horses, and in turn, limited racing operations, are essential.

Javier Castellano: rode two winners at the Breeders' Cup last year, including Belvoir Bay in the Turf SprintCredit: Edward Whitaker

Javellana tweeted: "One of the jockeys [that had planned] on racing in this weekend's Florida Derby has tested positive for Covid-19. I will hope for his recovery and that Gulfstream Park re-evaluates continuing to race, especially as South Florida is a hotspot. Many tracks/major races have been postponed."

Gulfstream Park took a one-day suspension from March 20 to update its safety protocols, including jockeys' room restrictions. At about this time, prominent rider Irad Ortiz Jr took a break from riding, citing health and safety of his family in the midst of the pandemic.

The Florida racecourse announced a number of safety measures in tandem with other tracks owned by The Stronach Group. This included keeping jockeys' lockers and workstations spaced a minimum of six-feet apart, gloves would be required for riders, and that daily temperature checks of riders would be conducted.

It is uncertain when or where Castellano might have contracted the virus. He rode at Oaklawn Park on March 14, where New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton, who has since tested positive for coronavirus, attended the races that day.

Sean Payton: head coach of New Orleans Saints, who won the Superbowl in 2010Credit: Getty Images

Castellano rode at Gulfstream the following day but Panagot said he then went to New York – the epicenter of the Covid-19 outbreak in the United States – to spend time with his family with few riding opportunities. He extended his stay in New York amid uncertainty when Gulfstream paused racing on March 20.

"Our thoughts go out to Javier Castellano today but we're so glad to hear that he's asymptomatic," read a statement from Gulfstream Park.

"We've been operating in full compliance with all executive orders issued by the state of Florida and have, in fact, initiated stringent measures for the protection of all of our essential personnel, including our jockeys.

"It is because of our strict protocols requiring all jockeys to be screened prior to entering the facility that Javier's symptoms were recognized and he was able to be tested, for which we know he is thankful. Javier last rode at Gulfstream Park on March 15 and has not been back to the property since.

"Javier will not be able to return to riding at Gulfstream Park until after his mandatory 14-day quarantine is complete and he has received a clean bill of health from his medical practitioner. We wish him a speedy and complete recovery."

Read more

US expert Tom Collins reckons late closer can land Gulfstream's Friday feature

Racing in Victoria to continue as jockey returns negative test for coronavirus

Fitter than ever: how Oisin Murphy has been spending his time in self-isolation

Car park lunches and solo gallops: how Michael Dods is controlling coronavirus

Keep up to date on the must-have news, tips, photos and more by following the Racing Post across all social channels