Bristish Horse Racing has been hit over the past 6 days with a shutdown after an outbreak of Equine Flu, that has threatened the UK horse racing schedules.
Lockdown
Three cases had been reported at Donald McCain’s Cheshire based stable. In total 174 horse racing stables had been placed in lockdown amid fears the virus could spread quickly throughout the racing scene.Today, horse racing will resume at Musselburgh and Plumpton and Southwell and Kempton.The decision to over turn the ban comes after an Industry Veterinary Committee unanimously voted to deal with the crisis in a ‘Controlled, risk-managed manner”. Each trainer will go through rigorous tests to assess whether their horses are clear and fit to run.Because of the cancelled races during the shutdown period, five races have been re-scheduled and will be held at Ascot in a nine-race card on Saturday 16th February 2019.
Managing The Outbreak
Speaking of the Outbreak, British Horseracing Authority (BHA) said, they had been in talks with the Industry Veterinary Committee who felt under a ‘Controlled risk-managed manner’ managing the outbreak, which has been highly contagious in Europe, we will carry out ongoing risks assessments in a bid to keep the flu virus under control.“ Clearly there is some risk associated with returning to racing.The risk has been assessed and, based on the evidence – and ensuring biosecurity measures are in place – the level of risk is viewed as acceptable.”There was further speculation as to whether the Cheltenham Festival to be held in March 2019 would go ahead when a second outbreak was confirmed. Four horses that had already been vaccinated were found to have the virus at Simon Crisford’s yard in Newmarket. Luckily, after tests were carried out at the yard, no further positive results had been recorded.