WHY THE LONG FACE!
Horse flu strikes down favourites
RACING fans were gutted last night after an outbreak of horse flu forced all meetings to be cancelled for nearly a week.
RACING fans were distraught last night after the sport was stopped in its tracks by horse flu.
Race meetings were cancelled across the country until at least Wednesday after three horses tested positive for the infectious disease.
A spokesman for the British Horseracing Authority said: “We appreciate the impact that this may have on the sport commercially.”
But he added: “Disease control in order to mitigate the risk of further disruption to the sport – and safeguard the health and welfare of our horses – must be a priority.”
More than 100 horse yards were reportedly placed into lockdown as authorities sought to contain the outbreak.
But bosses were confident the outbreak would not jeopardise the Cheltenham Festival, which starts on March 12.
The festival was cancelled in 2001 because of foot and mouth disease.
But a spokesman pointed out this year’s festival is five weeks away, adding: “We hope the British Horseracing Authority’s early actions will resolve this matter quickly. We look forward to racing resuming as soon as possible.”
One fan said: “Devastating news. I had a flashback to the foot and mouth outbreak 18 years ago.
“Hopefully this will pass by relatively kindly compared with before.”
Another wrote: “Not an easy decision to make but in the circumstances a wise one.”
Trainer Donald McCain confirmed the three affected horses came from his yard in Cheshire. He said: “We are scrupulous about observing the health status of horses in our care and taking any necessary steps to treat any condition that may affect them. ”