Jockey Javier Castellano plans on returning to competitive riding on May 1st at Oaklawn Park, 37 days after testing positive for coronavirus, per a report from turf writer David Grening.

The Hall of Fame rider has not raced since March 15th, nine days before testing positive for the COVID-19 virus on March 24th.

Castellano returned to New York on Tuesday, after spending two weeks at his mother’s Florida home.  He was permitted to fly by Florida health officials following two additional tests for coronavirus.  The results have not been reported, but Castellano has remained symptom-free.

“I feel good,” Castellano told Grening. “I never had any symptoms.  The scary part is people can have it and you don’t know it.”

Prior to the March 28th Florida Derby card, the four-time Eclipse Award Winner and other jockeys set to ride at Gulfstream Park were administered coronavirus tests. Castellano’s came back positive.

Castellano, 42, last competed at Fair Grounds in New Orleans on March 14th and then piloted two horses at Gulfstream Park on March 15th.

Castellano awaits details for the protocols which Oaklawn Park will put in place for him, before being permitted to ride at the Hot Springs, Arkansas track.

His anticipated mounts include BRITISH IDIOM in the Grade 3 Fantasy Stakes on May 1st as well as an assignment in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby the following day.

Glad you’re healthy and back in the irons J.J.

On Friday the Daily Racing Blog will preview Saturday’s running of the $200,000 dollar Oaklawn Stakes.  So be sure to stop back.