Hall Of Fame jockey Javier Castellano, one of America’s leading jockeys, revealed that he tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday, but Gulfstream Park in Florida, where he is due to ride today, currently seems determined to complete its winter season behind closed doors with the Florida Derby card today.
The NY Post reports that Castellano’s last ride was on March 15 at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla. His agent John Panagot said Castellano is “asymptomatic and feels fine.”
The 42-year-old Venezuelan was set to pilot Candy Tycoon for trainer Todd Pletcher in the Florida Derby today at Gulfstream.
Panagot said that while Castellano “jogged three miles Wednesday and was looking forward to the meeting, he will self-isolate until medically cleared.”
The Florida Derby will run in front of empty stands with no crowd allowed at Gulfstream.
The track released a statement Thursday stating: “All jockeys must go to first aid on a daily basis to get their temperature taken before entering the jocks’ room. If it weren’t for Gulfstream Park requiring Castellano to get a physical he probably would never have been tested at all.”
“It is because of our strict protocols requiring all jockeys to be screened prior to entering the facility that Javier’s symptoms were recognised and he was able to be tested for which we know he is thankful.
“Javier will not be able to return to riding at Gulfstream Park until after his mandatory 14-day quarantine is complete and he has received a clean bill of health from his medical practitioner. We wish him a speedy and complete recovery.”
Interestingly, he is showing no symptoms.
