Javier Castellano, one of the nation’s most respected jockeys and a fan favorite on the NYRA circuit, has tested positive for the coronavirus.
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 on Saturday at Gulfstream. Panagot said that while Castellano “jogged three miles Wednesday and was looking forward to the weekend, 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.”