Jose and Irad Ortiz Jr. will skip the Kentucky Derby due to the travel restrictions in place by the New York Racing Association and Churchill Downs, according to the Daily Racing Form’s David Grening.
Officials announced this week that jockeys competing Derby week would be required to be in Kentucky by Aug. 31 due to new COVID-19 biosecurity protocols. NYRA had previously announced that jockeys, trainers, and backstretch employees leaving the grounds at Saratoga Race Course and traveling out-of-state would not be permitted to re-enter track grounds to participate in the current summer meet.
Other riders staying to finish the Saratoga meet include Joel Rosario and Luis Saez.
Manny Franco, John Velazquez, Javier Castellano, Ricardo Santana Jr., and Tyler Gaffalione are expected to make the trip to Kentucky.
Read more at the Daily Racing Form
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