BHA tightens raceday access amid escalating equine flu concerns

The British Horseracing Authority will restrict raceday access to horses from licensed training yards only as part of heightened biosecurity measures in response to a surge in equine influenza cases across the UK.

The move is designed to prevent contact between the thoroughbred racing population and horses from unlicensed premises, where vaccination and health monitoring standards are less transparent.

All scheduled Hunter Chase races from May 20 have been abandoned, including Stratford’s Hunter Chase evening meeting on May 29.

Racecourses will also cancel non-racing equine activities, including retraining of racehorses, parades, pony rides and petting farms, as the industry moves to minimise infection risks.

The BHA said the decision followed consultation with infectious disease experts, racecourse representatives and key industry bodies, including the Point-to-Point Authority and Pony Racing Authority.

Officials are continuing discussions with affected racecourses to explore replacement opportunities for lost Hunter Chase fixtures.

The BHA is also working with Ascot to replicate licensed-premises biosecurity protocols in an effort to allow the Royal procession to proceed safely.

The authority said there have been no confirmed equine influenza cases or clinical signs reported within licensed training yards at this stage.

Most reported cases nationally involve unvaccinated horses, although some vaccinated horses nearing booster due dates have also contracted the virus.