Hong Kong: Direct movement with Australia reinstated following nations' standoff

The standoff between racing authorities in Australia and Hong Kong has ended after the two nations reached an agreement over the quarantining of horses competing in the countries.

A ban on direct importation of horses from Hong Kong to Australia was imposed by the Australian government in October 2017 due to biosecurity concerns at the Hong Kong Jockey Club-run Conghua equine facility on mainland China. This meant horses wanting to travel between Hong Kong and Australia had to spend 180 days quarantined in a third country.

However, following an assessment by the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR), Australian and international horses will be able to compete in Hong Kong and travel back without the need for the quarantine period.

Horses who have been to Conghua will still need to be quarantined for 180 days while a full risk-assessment is completed by DAWR.

An aerial view of Conghua racecourse: horses will still have to be quarantined if competing thereCredit: Hkjc

A statement from the Australian Consulate-General Hong Kong said: "The Australian DAWR completed an assessment of the arrangement and the interim arrangement is effective from March 12, 2019. The department continues to progress an assessment of the equine disease free zone in Conghua, China.

"The implementation of the interim arrangement will allow Australian racehorses to compete in the Champions Day races at Sha Tin in April 2019."

For complete coverage of racing and bloodstock in Australia and New Zealand, download ANZ Bloodstock News every day