Flavien Prat

Jockey Flavien Prat, a three-time leading rider at Del Mar, tested positive for COVID-19 Sunday following a trip to Kentucky for a riding assignment there Saturday, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club officials confirmed today.

The 27-year-old rider was tested at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla around noon today and received a report of a positive test approximately 90 minutes later. He had been named to ride eight horses at Del Mar this afternoon but was removed from all those mounts. He is quarantining at his home for at least 10 days.

Del Mar requires all riders traveling from other jurisdictions to be tested prior to being able to ride at the track. Prat was following that procedure.

Prior to its next day of racing on Friday, Del Mar will test all jockeys and jockeys’ room personnel.

Jockey Victor Espinoza had tested positive for COVID-19 Friday. He is presently isolating at home also.

“It is encouraging that in both cases our protocols worked. We will continue to be vigilant to ensure the safety of the people who work here and live in our community,” said Joe Harper, Del Mar’s CEO.