Yiannis Vassiliou Transport informs clients it will put business on hold

The fleet of lorries belonging to Yiannis Vassiliou Transport - so often seen at sales across Britain and Ireland - has been parked up as the international racehorse transport company posted a statement on social media on Sunday that it will be putting business on hold until "things smoothen out" after the global coronavirus pandemic.

The decision will pose a logistical problem for buyers from the Mediterranean who regularly source racehorses at sales in Britain and Ireland, and could potentially lead to other racehorse transporters following suit.

The statement read: "Dear friends and clients. Due to the critical times we are all going through after the outbreak of the coronavirus, we have decided to put our business on hold.

"We will start again as soon as things smoothen out. As always our priority is the health of our team and the animals that we transport. As we all understand it is not a matter if we can do the job, but that we want to do it in the best, safest and stress free way for our beloved companions.

"There are so many parameters that can change from one minute to the next such as border closures, boat cancellations, congestions etc, that can cause major delays in the journeys and cause unnecessary stress and suffering to our four legged friends.

"We hope that we all get through this difficult crisis soon. Thank you for the understanding and stay safe."

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