Two Aqueduct Riders Contract COVID-19, Off Mounts

The New York Racing Association announced Dec. 31 that jockeys Jorge A. Vargas Jr. and Jalon Samuel have tested positive for COVID-19 and will be off their mounts for the remainder of the weekend. 

All members of the NYRA jockey colony are vaccinated and adhere to established protocols.

Vargas rode at Aqueduct Racetrack Dec. 30 and sought testing Friday after developing mild symptoms overnight. He did not experience symptoms during Thursday's card.

Samuel had no mounts Thursday and was not on-site at Aqueduct. He sought testing after developing mild symptoms Thursday.

Vargas has five wins at the current meet that begin in early December. Samuel has two victories.

NYRA follows the most updated federal and state guidance regarding contact tracing, testing, required isolation, and quarantine. Accordingly, Vargas and Samuel will be permitted to return to competition Jan. 6 if they are asymptomatic.

In accordance with New York City requirements, anyone seeking to enter Aqueduct in any capacity must demonstrate proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Facemasks are required at all times on NYRA property.

COVID-19 cases are at record levels across the country amid a surge partially caused by the Omicron variant. Scientists and doctors believe the Omicron variant is partially eluding the capacity of vaccines to neutralize the virus, though vaccinated individuals likely experience lesser symptoms once contracting COVID-19.