Simon Crisford reflects on flu crisis after his horses emerge from isolation

There are many phrases heard on Newmarket Heath on a daily basis but 'good afternoon' is certainly a new one.

Just after 12.30pm is the new first lot time for Simon Crisford and on Wednesday afternoon his team emerged from four days in total isolation to use the deserted gallops more than an hour after everyone else's fourth (and in some cases fifth) lots had left.

Following the discovery of four positive flu cases at his yard over the weekend, Crisford was told to keep his 92-strong string at home, although all have since tested clean.

After the news of the positives emerged on Monday morning, Crisford was besieged by the media during a trying period.

He said on Wednesday: "It has been a trying few days to say the least and we had to keep all of our horses at home for four days due to the circumstances. We made plenty of use of our covered ride which is a great asset and I'm pleased to say that the four identified horses have now tested clear with our own independent testing."

The BHA was originally testing in the yard on account of Crisford having a runner at Newcastle last Tuesday but that filly, Sajanjl, was found to be clear.

He added: "Our horses have always been vaccinated twice annually and they had never shown any symptoms to suggest they were carrying a virus. We are still under restrictions and further tests will take place at the end of next week, but it's great to finally be back out on the Heath in the afternoons."

Although his string may be healthy again, Crisford is not expecting a quick fix. He said: "I don’t think we will be back to normal training times for several weeks. However, I could easily get used to this as it's so quiet and also a bit warmer than it is first thing!

"It is like being in a private training centre. I can actually see training in the mornings and afternoons as a way forward for the industry in years to come. All of our staff have been amazing as I knew they would be."

Crisford, who is based at Kremlin House stables on the Fordham Road, has some big bullets to fire this spring including a 2,000 Guineas hope.

He added: "It was good to get around 25 of our team up the Town Canter this morning including Mokarris and our 2,000 Guineas hope Jash. It's not the end of the world having to take a pull with the horses in February as it would be a much bigger issue later on and all being well the plan would be to take Jash to the Greenham Stakes at Newbury. He was second to Ten Sovereigns in the Middle Park when he looked as if he would get further and we could not be happier with how he has wintered."

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