Epsom officials play down equine disease worry

Epsom officials expressed their confidence that the Vodafone Derby meeting would be unaffected by an outbreak of a highly-infectious equine disease nearby when they played host to several Classic candidates at the track this morning.

After two cases of strangles disease were confirmed at a livery stable just yards from the racecourse, Epsom supremo Stephen Wallis was forced to call off today’s inaugural ‘Breakfast With The Stars’ gala.

But clerk of the course Andrew Cooper said he remained confident that the meeting itself was under no threat from the outbreak.

“All the livery yards around here have shut up and everybody is taking things very seriously,” he said.

“But it has never been part of the routine of horses stabled there to come this way up the hill, or anywhere near the racecourse stables.

“In the meantime all we can do is continue to liaise with the vet who is looking after the situation.”

Despite the cancellation of the gala breakfast, several trainers still elected to bring their Epsom candidates to the track.

Wallis added: “We had no option but to make a decision early yesterday and we contacted all of the 250 guests we were expecting by the end of the afternoon.

“But, happy that every precaution had been taken to minimise any risk of the disease spreading, we were pleased that some trainers still wanted to come to Epsom to work their horses this morning.”