Donald McCain praised by BHA for rapid reporting of positive tests

Donald McCain, the trainer at the centre of the equine flu scare that wiped out racing in Britain, acted immediately to contact the authorities after horses tested positive.

He revealed he had been concerned about the health of a few of his string for a "couple of days" and his prompt action was praised by the BHA.

It was positive tests on three of the Cheshire-based trainer's team that caused the cancellation of all British meetings on Thursday due to the fear of cross-infection.

McCain, 48, had runners at Wolverhampton, Ayr and Ludlow this week and said: "I have been aware of the recent news about equine influenza outbreaks in France and Ireland, and over the last couple of days I have been concerned about the health status of a small number of horses in the yard.

"Their welfare is at the front of our minds so, at my request, our veterinary surgeon has examined them regularly and we have followed his advice on testing and treatment.

"It was by following this protocol that the positive results for equine flu came to light yesterday evening. The BHA were contacted immediately and we are liaising closely with them about biosecurity and management of all the horses at Bankhouse."

McCain stressed that every measure had been, and would be, taken to prevent the spread of disease.

"Bankhouse follows all the available advice on disease control and all our horses are fully inoculated," he said. "We are scrupulous about observing the health status of horses in our care and taking the necessary steps to treat any condition that may affect them.

"It follows we would never race any horses that we could have known were infected. Over the last two months, all potential runners have been scoped and their blood checked within 36 hours of their races to ensure that only healthy horses compete for the yard."McCain, who had Dark Confidant finish fourth at Wolverhampton on Monday and ran Raise A Spark at Ayr and Dry Lightening at Ludlow on Wednesday, does not know how the equine flu infection reached the horses who tested positive.

"When new horses arrive at our yard we, as much as possible, try to keep them separate, but at this stage cannot know if the infection came from recent arrivals or from horses returning from racing," he said.

"We have three confirmed cases and this morning have taken blood and swabs from all the others for testing.”

McCain's conduct was praised by BHA director of equine health and welfare David Sykes, who said: "We would like to thank Donald McCain for his cooperation in this matter, and for the responsible manner in which he has dealt with this issue, under the guidance of his veterinary surgeon.

"He has acted professionally with the interests of the racing industry and the health of his horses as his priority.”

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