Despite no concrete timetable for his — or anyone’s — return to the races, driver Jason Bartlett is well into his recuperation from COVID-19.

Bartlett, a 22-year veteran of the sulky with over 8,400 driving wins to his credit, recently discussed his experience recovering from the novel coronavirus with Yonkers, N.Y., media outlet News 12 Westchester.

“I was just stuffy,” Bartlett said about his bout with COVID-19. “One thing that was weird was my eyes were killing me — I couldn’t really look side to side; I could only look straight ahead.”

After coming in contact with John Brennan — who passed away on March 10 from complications of COVID-19 — in late February, Bartlett decided to get tested for the virus after experiencing some of the common symptoms.

“I wanted to protect my family and everyone I work with,” he continued, noting concern for the horsemen he works closely with in addition to his son’s youth basketball team, which he coaches.

Fortunately, Bartlett has been able to weather the storm well, indicating that he has “been pretty lucky with the whole thing,” but he is quick to show deference to trainers and caretakers, whose round-the-clock responsibilities continue — racing or no racing.

“At this time, we’re all one,” Bartlett remarked. “The trainers still have to feed these horses… these horses still have to be taken care of.”

(USTA)