Jockeys' Saudi Travel Plans Delayed by Coronavirus

The global outbreak of coronavirus has led to the delayed arrival of some of the world's best riders to Riyadh before the Feb. 28 opening day of the inaugural Saudi Cup meeting.

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 denied entry to non-religious travelers from countries where the virus has spread.

There has yet to be a reported case in the country, but the scale of the outbreak in the region has complicated travel arrangements for riders including Frankie Dettori and Ryan Moore, who last week was riding in Hong Kong, which has had more than 80 confirmed cases.

It has reportedly also delayed jockeys such as Mickael Barzalona, who competed at Meydan on Thursday evening and is down to ride in the world's richest race, the $20 million Saudi Cup. 

Organizers have worked behind the scenes to establish alternative arrangements for international jockeys, and it is understood that Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al Faisal, the chairman of the Jockey Club, has enabled them to enter the country through a royal decree.

They do not anticipate any disruption to the jockeys' challenge, and Moore and Dettori, who are both taking part, were reported to have taken off from Heathrow at lunchtime Thursday on a flight scheduled to land at 11 p.m. local time. 

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  Wednesday, but Cheltenham officials 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.