The Queen’s upcoming racing schedule has been thrown into jeopardy following an outbreak of equine influenza in the United Kingdom.
All racing in the UK has been suspended until next Wednesday at the earliest.
This means that The Queen’s horse, No Trumps, will no longer race at Lingfield next Tuesday.
Her Majesty is not in a unique position – horse racing in the UK is now in complete lockdown whilst the British Horse Racing Authority (BHA) tries to contain the outbreak of the highly contagious flu.
The news comes after three horses stabled at Donald McCain’s yard in Yorkshire tested positive for equine flu despite being vaccinated.
Equine flu is easily passed to other horses, and considering McCain had runners earlier this week, they could have potentially been carrying the flu.
Many in the horse racing industry are concerned about whether the Cheltenham Festival will go ahead.
The event is only five weeks away, and efforts are being made to ensure the disease is contained in time.
The Cheltenham Festival is a favourite occasion of some members of The Royal Family, including the Duchess of Cornwall, the Princess Royal and Zara Tindall who attend most years.
The BHA is expected to make a further annoucnement on Monday announcing whether racing can continue after Wednesday, or whether the suspension will continue.
