Sources: COVID-19 Outbreak Hits Parx Jockey Colony
Multiple sources have told the Paulick Report as many as 10 jockeys currently based at Parx Racing in Bensalem, Pa., have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last week. In addition, the sources said, one racing official who regularly comes in close contact with riders has also tested positive.
Parx races Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Mychel Sanchez, the leading jockey at Parx, on Monday morning Tweeted that he was asymptomatic after testing positive and would return in two weeks.
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Angel R. Rodriguez, fourth leading jockey during the current meet, was off all mounts on Nov. 18 and has not been named to ride this week. At least two other riders who have been riding regularly at Parx, Jason Nguyen and Luis Rivera, were off their mounts last week and not named in entries for the upcoming week.
There were numerous jockey changes on Monday's card that may or may not be attributable to positive COVID-19 tests. Riders off their Parx mounts on Monday were the aforementioned Sanchez, Jomar Torres, Luis Ocasio, Navin Mangalee, Edwin Rivera and Jonathan Ocasio.
Track officials sent out a text alert on Monday morning stating: "Until further notice: jockeys are not allowed in stable area." Parx management could not be reached for comment on what other protocols, if any, are being instituted.
A Twitter account for Parx Racing sent out the following Tweet concerning Monday's races.
