New flu blow at McCain’s yard

been returned so far, positive results for equine influenza have been reported, all from the original affected yard [of McCain, below].

“A separate suspicious case

– which has not yet been confirmed as a positive sample – has been identified at another yard.”

The BHA are currently carrying out swab tests on horses in 174 training establishments. Kim Bailey, the Grand National, Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle winning trainer, said: “The Animal Health Trust will be snowed under with swabs and bloods.

“They could need a few more days to complete all their tests then hopefully racing will be back on track. The BHA added: “It will not be possible to test every horse from every yard before the end of the weekend, but we will work with trainers to identify any priority or risk horses and ensure they are tested.”

RACING is unlikely to take place in the immediate future after a further three horses from trainer Donald McCain’s yard tested positive for equine flu, along with an outbreak believed to have occurred in Rebecca Menzies’ County Durham stable.

The sport was put on hold for six days following the discovery that three horses trained by McCain tested positive for equine flu on Wednesday.

But the new outbreak has dashed the British Horseracing Authority’s hopes racing would resume on Wednesday, following the blanket ban of 23 meetings.

The BHA issued a statement reading: “Of the samples that have