Jockey Soumillon off Breeders' Cup mounts after positive COVID-19 test

Jockey Christophe Soumillon of France received a positive result from a PCR COVID-19 test that was administered on-site Wednesday under Breeders’ Cup’s comprehensive Health and Safety Plan. A second test was immediately performed which confirmed the initial diagnosis. This was the single positive result out of the 55 tests administered to all Breeders’ Cup jockeys.

According to the procedures in place, Soumillon immediately departed the Keeneland grounds to enter into isolation. At this time, he is not displaying any symptoms. 

Soumillon was scheduled to ride Order of Australia Breeders’ Cup Mile and Tarnawa in the Breeders’ Cup Turf on Saturday. Both horses’ connections have been notified, and the few individuals who have come into contact with him since his arrival have undergone additional testing and received negative results.

Colin Keane, this year's Irish champion jockey, will have the mount on Tarnawa. Pierre-Charles Boudot, who would have been on One Master, is now on Order Of Australia.