Jye McNeil has been ruled out of the next two meetings in Hong Kong after returning a positive PCR test for COVID on Tuesday.
The Melbourne Cup winning jockey had been booked for five rides at Happy Valley on Wednesday, but will now be replaced on his rides after being stood down. He will also miss the Sha Tin meeting on Sunday.
All being well, subject to McNeil posting a negative test result in the required time, McNeil should be good to go next Wednesday night, just in time to take his place in the prestigious Longines International Jockey’s Championship (I J C) which is the Happy Valley showpiece for the season.
Twelve riders from all around the world make up the I J C field with McNeil and Jamie Kah due to represent Australia on the night.
Their rivals there will include the likes of Zac Purton (who seems to be breaking records on a daily basis), Ryan Moore (who won the Japan Cup in spectacular style over the weekend), James McDonald (representing New Zealand) and Holly Doyle, amongst others.