Trainers Warned To Maintain Horse Welfare During Pandemic

BHA GUIDELINES

Trainers across the UK have been advised to maintain the high standards of there horses' welfare without really thinking about getting the animals race fit under new guidelines produced by the BHA.

With Boris Johnson putting the country in a state of lockdown with stress on people staying at home, by stopping gatherings of more than two people and shutting all non essential shops.

The BHA reacted to this statement by the Prime Minister and still support stable staff travelling to their place of work at different yards around Britain but if it was possible they should remain at home.

(Credit BHA and Racing Post) The statement read: "Horses should of course be cared for at all times – including access to food and water, clean bedding and exercise. Many businesses will require staff to travel to work to provide this.

"Our current understanding is that, in order to adhere to government guidance, the standard of care should be focused primarily on upholding their welfare, rather than their fitness to race.

"Any non-essential activity beyond this should be carefully considered and, where possible, avoided."

On Tuesday National Association of Racing Staff chief executive George McGrath explained that it was completely essential that stable staff still go to work to maintain the health of the industry.

McGrath said: "The sooner we get back racing the better, even if it is behind closed doors, and as such we need the horses to be ready. If we were to stop it would take weeks for them to get back to peak fitness."

There will be no racing in Britain until May 1st and that is still under consideration as it could be longer and yesterday Ireland announced that it would be without racing until at least April 19th.