Louisville, Ky- As the Kentucky Derby approaches, the horse racing committee is making sure that all protocols are followed to ensure safety for everyone involved in the race.
Before the Kentucky Derby starts on September, 7th, jockeys have to take a test by September 3rd and the test has to test negative before the Jockey are able to be inserted in the race. Racers who leave Kentucky after the Derby would need to show the committee that they took a COVID test no later than 72 hours prior to their arrival back into Kentucky Downs and the test has to be negative. Jockeys planning on riding at the Kentucky Downs meet but not riding at Churchill Downs during Derby Week must have a negative COVID test taken no farther out than 72 hours prior to coming to Kentucky. In addition, they will be required to be tested in Kentucky or the metro Nashville area and must present another negative result before being permitted to ride.
There will be three separate jockey's quarters for jockeys to have extra room and practice social distancing. Riders will have to have a face mask and have their mouths covered at all times.