Sidelined Soumillon Could Ride in Hong Kong by Dec. 20

Jockey Christophe Soumillon, forced to miss this weekend's Hong Kong races involving international horses due to COVID-19 precautions, has been informed by officials that the earliest he could ride there would be Dec. 20.

The rider was informed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club that his latest COVID-19 test was negative, clearing the way for his return.

"As Soumillon has been tested twice as negative and completed the necessary quarantine required by the Hong Kong SAR Government, he will be released tonight and return to the hotel arranged by the club," the HKJC wrote in a statement. "To prepare him for returning to race riding and in the interest of caution, the club has consulted our chief medical officer regarding the necessary precautionary measures. Soumillon will take further tests starting from tomorrow in accordance with the club's established protocol."

Stewards there will consider the results of those tests and make a (riding) decision at an appropriate time, the KHJC added.

Soumillon has been granted a license to ride in Hong Kong until Feb. 14 and chose to complete a 14-day quarantine needed before riding there, according to Racing Post. He cleared five tests before his arrival in Hong Kong Nov. 26, the publication reported.

A positive test result for COVID-19 also kept the rider from competing in the Breeders' Cup at Keeneland last month, resulting in his loss of mounts on winners Order of Australia and Tarnawa.