Pletcher Diagnosed With COVID-19

Seven-time Eclipse Award winner and recently inducted Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and will be away from his stable until Aug. 19.

By text, Pletcher said he thought he was dealing with allergies until he received the positive test results.

"I don't feel that bad," Pletcher said.

At least one other co-worker at Pletcher's barn has been diagnosed with COVID-19, which prompted the 14-time leading trainer at Saratoga Race Course to be tested. Pletcher was vaccinated earlier in the year.

According to New York Racing Association senior director of communications Pat McKenna, Pletcher is one of a "small number" of track personnel who have tested positive during the Saratoga meet.

"Since the July 15 start of the meet, there have a been a small number of COVID-19 cases among the roughly 2,000 full-time, part-time, and seasonal NYRA employees. NYRA works closely with the Saratoga County Department of Health to ensure that in each instance we are following the most updated guidance regarding contact tracing, testing, isolation, and quarantine," McKenna said.

NYRA requires its public-facing employees to wear facial coverings within its indoor facilities.

All unvaccinated fans and employees are required to wear facial covering at all times while on NYRA property.

Pletcher was not at the track Aug. 14 when he won two races at Saratoga. Entering the Aug. 15 card, he was third in the trainer standings at the Spa with 14 wins.