Racing Temporarily Suspended
Published: 27 February 2001
In view of the continuing spread of Foot and Mouth Disease, the Directors of the British Horseracing Board (BHB), in conjunction with the Stewards of the Jockey Club, have temporarily suspended racing with effect from tomorrow (Wednesday 28th February). Racing will resume on Wednesday 7th March. This decision, which has been taken to enable further precautionary measures to be implemented, has the full support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF).
Paul Greeves, BHB’s Racing Director, said today: “Although we have Government and veterinary advice that staging racing presents a very small risk of spreading the disease, we have agreed this temporary cessation in order to develop our published precautionary measures. In addition, we will be drawing up strict codes of practice for all people and transport that use racecourses, both on racedays and non-racedays. We will also develop instructions for use by trainers, and for the public planning on attending racing.
“Furthermore, we will ensure that everyone involved in racing are not only aware of the measures they must take, but are implementing them from the moment racing starts again on Wednesday 7th. We believe that, by having a short break, racing is giving itself the best chance of continuing in the long run and also of staging the Cheltenham Festival next month as scheduled. Racing will continue to act in a totally responsible manner.”
Peter Webbon, Chief Veterinary Advisor to the Jockey Club, added: “Currently, the risk of spreading the infection from racing is very small, but by taking these thorough measures we are confident we can reduce that to negligible.”
For further information, please contact
Paul Greeves, BHB, 020 7343 3306 or 07901 510079
Alan Delmonte, BHB, 020 7343 3318
John Maxse, The Jockey Club, 020 7343 3219 or 07785 243232
Peter Webbon, 0385 228872
Editor’s Note: The codes of practice will be published in full on www.bhb.co.uk and www.thejockeyclub.co.uk as soon as they are available.
