Health secretary and Newmarket MP Matt Hancock tests positive for coronavirus

Health secretary Matt Hancock revealed on Friday that he has tested positive for Covid-19 and was self-isolating at home with mild symptoms of the illness.

Hancock, 41, whose West Suffolk constituency covers Newmarket, has been among the most prominent figures during the coronavirus pandemic, and announced his positive test just hours after prime minister Boris Johnson had done the same.

Key figures from Flat racing's headquarters wished Hancock, who has been an advocate for horseracing during his time in parliament, a swift recovery from the illness, which has had a profound impact on the lives of people since it first emerged in China in December last year.

In an online social media post, Hancock, who praised the work done by NHS staff, said: "I've had some mild symptoms of coronavirus and upon medical advice I was tested and that test was positive, so I'll be self-isolating here until next Thursday.

"Fortunately for me the symptoms have been very mild so I've been continuing to work and to drive forward the UK's response."

In 2012, Hancock, who lives ten miles from Newmarket in Little Thurlow, won the historic Newmarket Town Plate on the John Gosden-trained Dick Doughtywylie, and has continued to maintain links with the trainer, including riding out Star Of Bengal last year.

Gosden said on Friday: "He is an incredibly hard-working MP and health minister who has a strong sense of civic duty. He is a highly intelligent man who really cares about his constituents and his department.

"He has been very much on the front line with the NHS and is very collegiate in his approach with everyone in his department. We are extremely fortunate to have him as our MP and he is selfless in his dedication to his responsibilities.

John Gosden: sent his best wishes to health minister Matt Hancock, 'a highly intelligent man who really cares about his constituents and his department'Credit: Laura Green

"We all wish him a speedy recovery and send our very best wishes to his wife, Martha, and family who are integral parts of our lives in Newmarket."

Gosden's words were echoed by Amy Starkey, Jockey Club regional director for the east region, which includes Newmarket. She said: "As our local MP and a passionate advocate of horseracing, I am sorry to hear that Matt is unwell with Covid-19. I wish him a speedy recovery and all others affected by this virus."

Hancock, who ran for leadership of the Conservative Party in 2019, was also responsible for enacting the dramatic cut in maximum stakes for fixed odds betting terminals to £2 from £100 during his time as culture secretary.

As well as outlining they had mild symptoms of the illness, which has caused 759 deaths in the United Kingdom, Johnson and Hancock confirmed they would both be continuing to work in their roles while self-isolating.

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