Irish Quarantine Restrictions Eased for Jockeys at Group Level

Jockeys competing in any group or graded race no longer need to self-isolate upon their return to Ireland, the Racing Post reported on Monday. Previously, only jockeys competing at the Grade or Group 1 level were exempt from quarantine. However, jockeys are still required to undergo a trio of COVID-19 tests-prior to traveling and twice once they travel back to Ireland.

“It's positive news,” said Irish Jockeys Association Secretary Andrew Coonan to Racing Post. “Flat riders travelling abroad will be helped by this but principally at the moment it will impact jumps riders.

“In any event, they have limited opportunities and those opportunities were cut through Covid, so anything that will assist them to help make up some of the deficit is positive and welcomed.”