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Horse race event cancelled due to equine flu
TL;DR
A horse racing event at Plumpton Racecourse in East Sussex has been cancelled due to a confirmed case of equine flu. The British Horseracing Authority deemed this a precautionary measure following the infection of an unvaccinated horse nearby.
Key points
- Horse racing event cancelled at Plumpton Racecourse
- Cancellation due to equine flu case
- Infected horse was unvaccinated
- Precautionary measure by British Horseracing Authority
- Event was part of Jumps Season finale
Mentioned in this story
East SussexBritish Horseracing Authority
Plumpton Racecourse
Plumpton Racecourse has been hosting horse racing meets for nearly 150 years. File image [Getty Images]
A horse racing event in East Sussex has been cancelled following a confirmed case of equine flu.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) says it is a "precautionary measure" to call off the Plumpton Racecourse's Jumps Season finale on Sunday.
An unvaccinated non-thoroughbred horse, based at a livery yard next to the racecourse, has been infected, a spokesperson said.
BHA's director of equine regulation, safety and welfare says the event's cancellation is a "disappointment" but necessary because equine flu is "highly contagious".
James Given says it can spread rapidly among horses, including through the air and over a widespread distance.
He added that they needed to "protect individual horses and the wider thoroughbred herd from potential exposure".
"We have seen a significant recent rise in the number of equine flu outbreaks across the country, in the non-thoroughbred herd," Given says.
"I urge trainers and teams to remain vigilant in their own biosecurity measures and being alert to the signs of infection."
A Plumpton Racecourse spokesperson says the infected horse remains at the livery yard and is undergoing further testing.
The horse is "actively shedding the virus", the spokesperson says.
"We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding and continued support," they add.
They say the health and wellbeing of horses and participants are their "absolute priority" and the cancellation is the "most responsible" course of action.
Ticketholders would be refunded automatically and to allow up to 28 working days for the refunds to appear, the racecourse spokesperson added.
The BHA says there have been no reported cases or signs of infection within licensed training yards, but it continues to advise extra caution.
It adds it is working closely with Plumpton Racecourse organisers to consider whether the racing date can be rearranged.
Q&A
Why was the horse racing event at Plumpton Racecourse cancelled?
The event was cancelled due to a confirmed case of equine flu in an unvaccinated horse located at a nearby livery yard.
What is equine flu and how does it affect horse racing?
Equine flu is a contagious viral infection that affects horses, and its presence can lead to the cancellation of racing events to prevent further spread.
When was the Plumpton Racecourse's Jumps Season finale scheduled?
The Jumps Season finale at Plumpton Racecourse was scheduled for Sunday before its cancellation.