Racing has begun designing and costing a new Covid-19 testing system for jockeys and could follow other sports by introducing more rigorous screening procedures later this month.
Under the existing protocols, which saw racing become the first elite sport to resume last summer, race-day attendees are not required to have any Covid testing before entering the course, but the rapid spread of the new strain of the virus has prompted a rethink.
The Premier League and EFL have both strengthened their testing regimes since Christmas by moving to twice-weekly screening, while Premiership rugby clubs will begin a two-week circuit break this weekend following the suspension of the European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.