Laurel, Pimlico Place Restrictions on Colonial Jockeys

The Maryland Jockey Club has extended its jockey quarantine policy for riders and others as a result of the cancellation of the remainder of this year's Colonial Downs meet because of COVID-19 positives, according to a release from the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. Colonial announced their meet cancellation Aug. 14.

The MJC owns and operates Laurel Park and Pimlico in Maryland.

Jockeys who rode races at the Virginia track and all dormitory residents of Colonial Downs during this time are prohibited from the grounds of all MJC facilities until Aug. 27 and must produce a negative COVID-19 test obtained and resulted within 72 hours of that date to be granted access. 

This is in addition to other quarantine policies currently in place. Previously, MJC announced that Jockeys currently riding out of state who come to Maryland must quarantine for 14 days from their return from another state and must produce a negative COVID-19 test result obtained and resulted within 72 hours of riding in a race in Maryland.

"The MJC considers the health and safety of our team, horsemen and riders as our number one focus," MJC president Sal Sinatra commented. "Upon consultation with our excellent team of doctors at MedStar Health, as part of our renowned Horsemen's Health System with MTHA, we feel aggressive policies are important to keep our community safe while protecting the livelihoods of the thousands of horsemen who rely on this industry."

The MJC will continue to provide updates as warranted. Beginning Aug. 27, Laurel Park will hold the seven days of racing vacated by the Maryland State Fair at Timonium because of COVID-19 restrictions.