Sunday's jumps meeting at Plumpton has been called off due to an outbreak of a highly contagious disease. The Sussex racecourse, which was scheduled to host a seven-race card, abandoned the fixture after a non-thoroughbred horse at a livery yard adjacent to the track was confirmed to have contracted equine influenza and EHV-4.
Decision Made After Consultation
The track announced that after consulting with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the unfortunate decision was made to abandon Sunday's raceday. A statement from Plumpton said: "Throughout the process we have remained in regular communication with the yard concerned, our veterinary team, the British Horseracing Authority, and independent infectious disease experts to monitor the situation and assess level of risk."
The infected horse, which remains isolated at the livery yard, has undergone further testing and is still actively shedding the virus. Given the very close proximity of the livery yard to the racecourse, the decision was taken with the unanimous support of the BHA's independent veterinary group.
Health and Safety Priority
The health and wellbeing of horses and participants remains the absolute priority, and it is believed this is the most responsible course of action to minimise any risk to the wider thoroughbred racing population. Plumpton confirmed that ticketholders would receive an automatic refund, processed as quickly as possible. Discussions will continue with the BHA to establish whether the fixture can be rearranged.
Equine Flu: A Highly Contagious Disease
According to the BHA, equine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can be airborne over reasonable distances and transmitted indirectly to horses, including via people. The regulator said no other horses were showing signs of infection, but the cancellation was decided as a precautionary measure given the close proximity of the livery yard to the racecourse and particularly the stable area.
James Given, BHA director of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare, said: "Equine flu is highly contagious and can spread rapidly among horses, including through the air and over a widespread distance, which is why it is essential we take appropriate steps to minimise any risk of onward transmission."
Precautionary Steps
Given added: "We appreciate that this news will be disappointing for the racecourse, participants and racegoers, but with a confirmed case in the immediate vicinity and the horse actively shedding the virus, this is a sensible precautionary step to protect individual horses and the wider thoroughbred herd from potential exposure." He also noted a significant recent rise in equine flu outbreaks across the country in the non-thoroughbred herd, urging trainers and teams to remain vigilant in their own biosecurity measures and be alert to signs of infection.
