JOCKEYS ARE SET TO BE TESTED FOR COVID AFTER RETHINK

RACING has begun designing and costing a new Covid-19 testing system for jockeys and could follow other sports by introducing more rigorous screening procedures later this month. Under existing protocols, race-day attendees are not required to have any Covid testing before entering the course, but the rapid spread of the new strain of the virus has prompted a rethink. Now the British Horseracing Association are exploring the introduction of testing for the first time. Sportsmail has learned the cost of implementing twice-weekly tests is being modelled by the BHA. While the cost will be significant for a sport reeling from the loss of gate receipts and a reduced yield from the betting levy, it will not be the deciding factor for the BHA. The final decision on testing will be based on the recommendation of their chief medical adviser Dr Jerry Hill. Only a handful of jockeys have tested positive for Covid in Britain — and there have been no cases of jockey-to-jockey transmission — but with mass testing now commonplace in many industries, the BHA are increasingly conscious of the need to be seen to be doing the right thing, as well as mitigating risk. Conservative MP Laurence Robertson, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Racing whose constituency includes Cheltenham Racecourse, told Sportsmail that testing should be introduced. ‘It would be a good idea for more testing to be done at racecourses, particularly if we can get a rapid rollout of quick turnaround tests,’ he said. ‘Last summer we were restricted to testing people showing symptoms but that is no longer the case.’ Under existing regulations, jockeys and other racecourse staff are required to have a temperature check on arrival, having previously completed a health questionnaire and training module. This has enabled over 800 meetings to take place since last summer. Owners have been prevented from attending meetings since January 1 and face masks were made mandatory ahead of the second national lockdown at the end of October. ‘We are constantly monitoring the situation,’ said a BHA spokesperson. ‘Owing to the new variant of the disease, the picture is changing and, should evidence show it is necessary, then testing is an option that may be helpful.’