Jockey forced into self-isolation as Covid app pings upon arrival at Ayr

Jockey James Sullivan will be out of the saddle for at least ten days to self-isolate after his NHS Track and Trace app pinged as he was about to take up his rides at Ayr on Monday.

Sullivan will sit out the mandatory self-isolation period having been deemed to have come in close contact with someone who has coronavirus.

It was a long and wasted journey for the Group 2-winning rider, who received his notification as he was about to enter the course.

"I was actually up at Ayr and got pinged, I was having my temperature checked at the gates and then I got the message through," the jockey said, "I just had to get straight back in my car and drive home.

James Sullivan stuck up a fruitful partnership with popular grey Sovereign Debt (blue cap)Credit: Warren Little

"It took me a good four hours to get here so it'll be at least an eight-hour round journey. It's one of those things unfortunately and that's the way the world is now.

"I'm going for a PCR test later on Monday and hopefully it'll come back negative. There's not much I can really do about it but everything is all right with me."

Sullivan, who is best known for striking up a partnership with popular grey Sovereign Debt, has ridden 22 winners this season and is eager to add to his tally once his enforced absence ends next week.

He added: "It's a busy time of year and there are some pretty big days coming up. Hopefully I'll be negative so I can do the ten days of isolation then be back as quick as I can. I'll keep my head down and I'll be all right doing it."

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