There was welcome news for jockeys riding in Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after the British Horseracing Authority revealed on Tuesday evening an addition to its Elite Traveller Exemption protocols that means they will not miss Future Champions Weekend.

The new protocol, which comes into effect immediately, is for elite sportspeople and essential support staff who are frequent travellers for competition in a country not covered by the travel corridor exemption. It also covers trainers and stable staff.

It means that any jockeys, trainers or stable staff who frequently travel abroad can register for a ‘Frequent Private Traveller’ option, which means if they are competing on day trips and via private transport will be exempt from self-isolation upon their return only for the purposes of training or competing. They must self-isolate as usual if not.

Under this new rule, they will have to abide by regular weekly testing and daily post-travel monitoring with the BHA’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Jerry Hill.

Those wishing to use the new scheme must register with Dr Hill at least four days before their trip abroad while travelling to and from the international venue will have to be taken in private cars or planes.

Return journeys must be completed on the same day while trips in private cars can only have a maximum of two occupants and private flights must only be shared if the two-metre social distancing rule can be maintained.

The monitoring of those using this scheme will last for 21 days and will also include:

  • A weekly Covid-19 test organised through the BHA medical department, funded by the applicant, with the first test result returned prior to initial trip abroad. A minimum of three tests will be required under this scheme with two taking place after any trip.
  • Daily reporting of symptoms and temperature to Dr Hill in the seven days after return from travel. Reporting will require the download of the BHA Smartabase Athlete App to allow reporting automatically via a smartphone.
  • A positive test will require immediate self-isolation for ten days pending further investigation.