The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has sent an email to all British trainers, stressing the need for heightened vigilance following a surge in equine flu cases in the general horse population. The move aims to prevent any possibility of a racing shutdown, similar to the six-day suspension in February 2019 that led to the cancellation of 23 meetings.
Current Situation Compared to 2019
While more counties have reported equine flu cases during the current surge than in 2019, no infections have been detected in racing yards so far. The BHA's email highlights that the greatest threat to thoroughbreds in training comes from exposure to sick horses or those shedding the flu virus, particularly when horses of unknown disease or vaccination status mix outside racing environments, such as at shows or other equine events.
Key Measures Recommended
The Authority emphasizes that horses entering licensed yards must be vaccinated and properly isolated for a 14-day period, with daily monitoring for signs of infection. Vaccination against equine flu is mandatory for all thoroughbreds in licensed yards, with boosters required every six months.
Earlier, the BHA canceled the remainder of the hunter-chase season, including the popular card at Stratford next Friday, to restrict racecourse access for horses from non-licensed yards where vaccination is not mandatory. The Authority is also exploring ways to ensure the ban does not affect the traditional Royal procession at Royal Ascot in June.
The email acknowledges that some may find these actions disappointing but states that all decisions are science-based and made after extensive consultation with independent, world-renowned experts in infectious disease management and control.
Racing Tips and Analysis
At Haydock on Saturday, the Group Two Temple Stakes is wide open, with nine of 13 runners priced between 5-1 and 12-1. Jakajaro (3.30), a handicap winner at York earlier this month, offers excellent each-way value at around 9-1. Trainer Robert Cowell excels at moving sprinters through the ranks, and Jakajaro's York performance was backed up by a strong time, despite a high draw and giving weight to all but one rival.
At Goodwood, Cool Molly (1.25) impressed on her turf debut at Chester and has the right draw and running style for this track. In the 2.00 race, Golden Story, despite losing to Constitution River in the Dee Stakes, showed promise and is a big price at around 7-2 against John Gosden's unbeaten Derby entry, Saxon Street.
Other Notable Selections
At Haydock, Blue Courvoisier (2.20) could be Clive Cox's best chance for a third win in eight runnings, benefiting from a low draw and Lauren Young's 5lb claim. Division (2.58) was just half a length behind Coppull at Ascot despite a slow start and is fair at 11-4 to reverse the form. Hermetic (4.05) looks set to build on his debut for Ian Williams' yard now stepping back up to two miles.
At York, King Of Light (2.40) may benefit from a single-figure draw in a tight sprint handicap, while Danielle (3.15) should have a straightforward return to action after strong runs last season. At the Curragh, Gstaad (3.40) has nothing of the calibre of Bow Echo in opposition and is expected to perform well in the Irish 2,000 Guineas equivalent.
