Jockeys stood down after fresh Sydney COVID-19 outbreak
Four jockeys, including Craig Williams, have been forced into isolation after recently visiting Sydney, which is battling a fresh COVID-19 outbreak.
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Racing Victoria has stood down champion jockeys Craig Williams, Luke Currie, Nash Rawiller and Jake Noonan as a precaution due to them recently having been in Sydney.
Acting on the advice of RV’s Chief Medical Officer the jockeys were replaced on rides at Yarra Valley and The Valley on Friday.
Replacement riders have also been found for scheduled rides at Flemington on Saturday and Sale and Horsham on Sunday.
The quartet, who traveled to Sydney in recent weeks for work and leisure, must isolate at home pending the result of COVID-19 tests.
NSW and Victorian governments are on high alert in response to a growing coronavirus cluster around Sydney’s northern beaches.
From 12am Saturday a permit system will be in place for all NSW residents travelling to Victoria.
“The Northern Beaches of NSW are now considered a COVID hotspot and any licensed participants or owners who have spent time on the Northern Beaches on and from 11 December 2020 will not be permitted to attend any Victorian racecourse or licensed premises until they have completed 14 days self-isolation upon arrival in Victoria,” Racing Victoria said in a statement released late on Friday.
“Licensed participants will also need to obtain permission from the Stewards before attending any Victorian racecourse or licensed premises.”
The transportation of horses from NSW (and other states and territories) to Victoria is allowed as long as it is with an approved float company.
“RV will continue to monitor the situation in Sydney closely and will make changes to industry protocols as required,” the statement read.
Originally published as Jockeys stood down after fresh Sydney COVID-19 outbreak