Stratford hunter chase fixture off, as BHA implements further flu precautions

Stratford’s popular hunter chase meeting scheduled for May 29 has been abandoned, as the British Horseracing Authority implements further precautionary measures following a continued rise in reported equine influenza cases in the non-thoroughbred population.

The BHA announced on Monday that from Wednesday this week only horses from licensed training yards will be permitted to enter racecourse property on a raceday, with hunter chase races abandoned and other equine activities – including ex-racehorse parades and petting farms and pony rides as part of family fun day entertainment – cancelled.

Racing at Plumpton on May 10 was abandoned following a reported equine flu case in an unvaccinated non-thoroughbred at a livery yard adjacent to the East Sussex course. The latest measures aim to prevent any mixing between the thoroughbred racing herd and horses and ponies from yards that are not licensed.

With Royal Ascot and the traditional horse-drawn royal procession that precedes racing due to get under way on June 16, the BHA said it is working with Ascot to replicate the biosecurity measures of a licensed premises to enable the royal procession to go ahead without any increased risk.

James Given, BHA Director of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare, said: “The news today will understandably be disappointing for many people, but levels of equine flu are higher than at any time in recent history and it’s essential that we take all necessary steps to protect the thoroughbred herd.

“These measures follow extensive engagement with independent infectious disease experts about how we further reduce the risk of exposure and ensure the continuity of racing.

“In addition to vaccination, this can be best achieved by preventing the mixing of racehorses with horses and ponies from premises that are not licensed by the BHA, where we have more limited information about their health and vaccination status.

“I’m encouraged by the response we have already seen from the racing community about the vital importance of maintaining the biosecurity of the thoroughbred racing herd. We continue to urge constant vigilance, especially around the movement and mixing of horses.

“Information about vaccination, infection control measures and spotting the signs of flu are available on the BHA website.”