Vic jockeys in green light for jumpouts

Racing Victoria has relaxed its segregation policy for a select group of jockeys to allow them to take part in jumpouts.

The 21 jockeys have since last month been isolated from the remaining jockeys in the state on race day because of COVID-19 precautions.

They have also been stopped from riding trackwork, trials and jumpouts.

But from Tuesday they will be allowed to ride in jumpouts at Caulfield, Flemington and Sandown.

However a prohibition remains on those 21 jockeys riding trackwork before the jumpouts.

Allowing the 21 jockeys to resume riding jumpouts has been established on the grounds of their health and wellbeing.

It also recognises the challenge that some faced maintaining their weight and fitness without being able to ride trackwork along with the closure of gyms, on-course spas and saunas.

Trainers are now no longer allowed to take a travelling companion for horses to any race meeting.

RV said this protocol would assist clubs in their efforts to stable horses from training centres together on race day and support social distancing measures.