No decision yet on UK racing

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will make a decision later to-night as to whether rac-ing can return in Britain tomorrow.

This decision will be made following a meeting of the industry veterinary committee.

The decision will follow further assessment of the data already gathered as well as the results of the latest testing which is taking place at the Animal Health Trust (AHT) today.

To allow the committee to have access to the most recent evidence, it will not meet until this evening. This means that no decision should be expected before midnight SA time at the earliest.

The veterinary committee includes representation from the BHA, Animal Health Trust (AHT), British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), National Trainers Federation (NTF), Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), Race-course Association (RCA) Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TBA) and independent expertise.

Analysis is ongoing at the AHT, in line with a prioritisation plan based on the potential exposure of horses to a horse who has tested positive (for example at the fixture at Ayr on 6 Feb), or to a horse from a yard returning a positive test.

Swabs will continue to be collected and tested from other horses, but some have been fast-tracked to help inform this evening’s decision-making process.

Should the decision be taken to return to racing tomorrow, declarations for any fixtures staged will be this morning.

The BHA would provide further updates regarding the declaration process for any fixtures staged on Thursday and beyond.

The BHA notified the media and Newmarket community on Monday night regarding four positive samples identified at the yard of licensed trainer Simon Crisford.

The community is being asked to be extra vigilant when it comes to biosecurity measures and to follow NTF guidance for disease control.

– BHA