Four news cases of equine flu identified at Newmarket yard of trainer Simon Crisford

The British Horseracing Authority has announced four cases of equine influenza have been identified in vaccinated thoroughbreds at the Newmarket yard of trainer Simon Crisford.

The findings are a blow to racing’s hopes of resuming action on Wednesday, following an enforced six-day shutdown following the three cases – which subsequently rose to six – of the highly-infectious disease found at Donald McCain’s stable in Cheshire.

The BHA said on Sunday night that Crisford – former long-standing racing manager to Godolphin – had been named “in order to ensure the Newmarket community is aware of the yard at which an infection has been identified”.

It added: “No non-urgent journeys should be made to this yard – including by the media – and anyone who wishes to travel to the yard is advised to first contact the trainer’s office.

“This yard is one of the 174 which has been required to undergo testing due to the fact that runners from the stable competed at the fixture at Newcastle on February 5, which had been identified as a potential risk fixture.

“At the moment the affected horses are all contained within this yard.

“A further update will be issued as early as possible tomorrow [Monday].

“This will include further details of action that is being taken off the back of this incident, and how the process will operate for the decision which will be made tomorrow [Monday] evening regarding whether it is possible to resume racing on Wednesday, February 13.”

Crisford enjoyed a successful season in 2018, and has high hopes of Classic success in the new campaign with the once-beaten colt Jash, who is prominent in the betting for the Qipco 2000 Guineas.

He also enjoyed victory at Royal Ascot in June, winning the Britannia Handicap with Ostilio.

(c) Sky News 2019: Four news cases of equine flu identified at Newmarket yard of trainer Simon Crisford