Top jockeys flee Melbourne as COVID cases rise

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Jye McNeil

Top Australian jockeys , , Ben Allen and Jye McNeil have all made the decision to leave following the latest outbreak in Greater Melbourne.

John Allen had already made the decision on Tuesday to fly up early and rule out any interference from QLD Health officials as he looks to team up with $2.80 favourite Explosive Jack in Saturday's Derby.

Ben Allen is another with a key chance in the feature at Eagle Farm, as he is set to pair up with . The three-year-old colt was runner-up to his stablemate Explosive Jack in the , so he and his rider will be looking to turn the tables this weekend.

Melbourne Cup-winning jockeys Williams and McNeil have also made the decision to fly up to Queensland on Wednesday in the hope of avoiding any restrictions applied to Victorians during the remainder of the week.

is yet to make a decision on whether she will take flight earlier than planned, whereas Mark Zahra has opted to remain in Melbourne as his wife has only recently been discharged from hospital after giving birth.

Riding replacements have been coming through all morning for Williams, McNeil and Ben Allen's mounts at Hillside today. Kah has opted to remain aboard the undefeated Kurabui and is expected to make a decision afterwards on whether to stay in Victoria or leave the state.

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