Greatrex worried by flu outbreak as trainers face shutdown of racing

Warren Greatrex says the outbreak of the highly-infectious equine influenza disease is a "big concern" to trainers, as Britain's racing industry reacted to the shutdown of action on the courses.

The BHA cancelled all four meetings in Britain on Thursday following three confirmed cases in horses who had been vaccinated. It is the first time the disease has forced the abandonment of a race meeting in Britain since 1981.

Greatrex has sent out 83 jumps horses from his Lambourn string, and was preparing to run promising Emitom in Huntingdon's Sidney Banks Memorial Novices' Hurdle, the feature race on the card.

He said: "It is disappointing but you have to put things into perspective and this problem has to be sorted. We will do everything we can to help with what the BHA want us to do.

"I have spoken at length to my vet and been told the things I can do to be sure this doesn't spread. I don't know the length but these were horses who had been vaccinated so it is a big concern but we have to monitor everything closely.

"It is a worry but I know everyone will be doing everything they can to get this sorted as quick as possible."

Huntingdon, who lost what looked a very good card on Thursday, were likewise disappointed to see the meeting cancelled.

Jack Pryor, the track's clerk of the course, said: "It is very frustrating from our point of view but it is the BHA's decision and we have to follow what they say.

"It is one of those unfortunate things, we had a very good day planned but there isn't a huge amount we can do. It is a strange feeling having the track ready for racing but the meeting is abandoned."

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