Racing to get a green light

THE British Horseracing Authority will make a decision this evening regarding whether racing can resume on Wednesday following a six-day shutdown due to an outbreak of equine flu.

Yesterday the BHA estimated upwards of

700 racehorses returned negative results after tests were processed and they will continue to work through the thousands of samples sent from stables as the sport seeks a swift return to action.

BHA director of equine health and welfare David Sykes, above, said: “The data is encouraging and provides a further indication that the precautionary safety measures have helped to contain the spread of disease.

“However, the picture is still developing and it remains the case that we will make an evidencebased decision on Monday.

“It remains paramount that, for the sake of our horse population, we do not take any unnecessary risks. This is not a common cold – it is a highly contagious and potentially serious disease. The prioritisation exercise with regards to testing will help deliver a detailed picture.

“Targeted testing, alongside the wide survey of data we have already gathered, will help provide a clear picture as to the scale of the spread of the disease.

“Any decision will include guidance and input from veterinary experts, including the industry’s veterinary committee.

“We are working through the process that will be followed in order to give specific yards the all clear to resume racing.”