Jockeys forced to change
2003-12-20 13:23
Durban - With KwaZulu-Natal the only province unaffected by the equine flu which has crippled the racing industry in South Africa, officials in the province are taking strict measures to prevent the virus from spreading to the region.
Gold Circle officials met all visiting jockeys at Durban Airport on Saturday, with a full set of clothing for each jockey.
The jockeys were escorted to the International Arrivals Hall, where they were ordered to shower, after which they were sprayed with disinfectant. They changed into the fresh clothes and their own clothes were locked away.
After the race meeting, the jockeys will be taken back to the Airport, where they will change back into their own clothes for their return journey.
As an additional precaution, racing officials have announced that visiting jockeys will be banned from coming to KwaZulu-Natal until further notice.
During Saturday's meeting at Clairwood, owners were not allowed into the Parade Ring, and the weighing-in enclosure in front of the grandstand was closed.
Owners were not allowed to have any contact with their horses.
All entrances to the Summerveld Training Centre have been isolated and no horses are permitted to enter or leave unsupervised.
The same restrictions are to be enforced at all private training establishments in KwaZulu-Natal.
- SAPA