Doncaster bound jockey forced to isolate after plane passenger in positive Covid test

Andrea Atzeni was heading to the UK from Bahrain but is now self-isolating after another passenger on the flight tested positive for Covid-19.

Atzeni tweeted: "Due to unforeseen circumstances I will not be able to take up my riding commitments at Doncaster this weekend.

"Good luck to everyone involved, I’ll be watching."

Atzeni had been riding in Bahrain two weeks ago and flew back to Britain last Friday.

He received a text last night confirming a positive case on the flight.

It meant he had to forfeit his place on five rides at Doncaster on Saturday, including his mount on 16-1 shot Ascension in the Unibet Lincoln the big race of the day, which was won by Haqeeqy.

Atzeni told the Racing Post: “I got a text last night from the NHS saying that someone tested positive on my flight coming back from Bahrain eight days previously.

"So everyone has to isolate for ten days, from that day.

"It came at 5pm and we tried to do something with Dr Jerry Hill and the BHA but I can't ride.

"I'd rather be at Doncaster but I'll be watching the racing – it is what it is, I can't help it."

18-year-old apprentice Benoit de la Sayette won the Lincoln, the traditonal opening to the Flat season on board Haqeeqy in his first race on turf.