They’re off

Race programme wiped out for six days over horse flu fears

HORSERACING has been plunged into chaos by equine flu — with the Cheltenham Festival just a month away.

The British Horseracing Authority abandoned all meetings until Wednesday at the earliest after an outbreak of the virus at the Cheshire yard of Grand National-winning trainer Donald Mccain (left).

The 115 stables that had runners at tracks where Mccain horses have also been in action during the past week were placed in lockdown by the BHA as yesterday ’s four meetings were cancelled.

Racing will not be able to begin again

until all horses at those yards are tested. The BHA’S move to wipe out the weekend action – 17 meetings were due to take place over the next five days – will disrupt trainers’ preparations for the Cheltenham Festival.

Problems escalated last night, with the testing process for the highly contagious condition hampered by a shortage at the Animal Health Trust of the swabs needed to take samples. That could push back the proposed restart day.

“We’ve been inundated with requests for swabs,” said a spokesman for the Newmarket-based charity.

“Due to the current situation and increase in demand, we’re rationing the number of swab kits we send to each veterinary practice.”

Newbury’s Betfair Super Saturday card was due to host the Denman Chase, featuring a clash between reigning Gold Cup title-holder Native River and rising star Clan Des Obeaux.

“This precautionary approach is intended to ensure we put the health of the horse population and control of the virus first, and avoid any unnecessary risk that might come from returning to racing too quickly,” said the BHA.