The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) are currently communicating the important update detailed below to raceday staff, racecourse staff and all unlicensed trainers with entries for Hunter Chases next week.

All runners require the below information to be produced on arrival to the racecourse:

a. Compliant EI vaccines within SIX calendar months of the race date, recorded in the horse's passport, as required by the Rules and signed by a veterinary surgeon

b. Equine Influenza Declaration Form (EIDF), which details the horse's temperature on the morning of arrival to the racecourse.

In addition to (a) and (b), horses from NON-LICENSED YARDS are also required to provide the following:

c. PCR Form confirming a negative result for Equine Influenza from a nasopharyngeal swab taken during the 72 hours prior to arrival at the racecourse. All documentation should be emailed to equine@britishhorseracing.com prior to arrival AND presented again on arrival at the racecourse. (Trainer responsibility).

NB. Companion equines need to adhere to these requirements also.

Frequently asked questions and answers

WHAT IS THE REQUIREMENT BEFORE ARRIVAL AT THE RACECOURSE?

A negative result from a nasal swab taken no more than 72 hours before the horse is due to arrive at the licensed racecourse must be emailed to equine@britishhorseracing.com

WHAT IS THE REQUIREMENT ON ARRIVAL AT THE RACECOURSE?

The negative nasal swab result must be presented to the BHA Veterinary Officer (VO) or Equine Welfare and Integrity Officer (EWIO) on arrival and before the horse is unloaded.

ALL SAMPLES MUST BE SENT TO AHT, NEWMARKET….WHY CAN'T I SEND A SAMPLE TO MY LOCAL VETERINARY SURGERY / LABORATORY?

The sole use of the AHT laboratory in partnership with the BHA ensures consistency of service in line with BHA's requirements.

HOW DO I TRANSPORT THE NASAL SWAB SAMPLE TO THE AHT?

By courier or recorded post overnight.

HOW LONG WILL THIS RESTRICTION LAST?

The BHA is currently monitoring the situation and cannot specify at this time.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR THE RESULT TO COME BACK?

AHT has confirmed a one-day turnaround.

WHEN IS THE AHT CLOSED?

Saturday afternoon and Sunday.

HOW CAN I COMPLY WITH THE 72 HOUR REQUIREMENT IF THE HORSE IS RUNNING ON A MONDAY?

The BHA will allow a nasal swab to be taken on the Thursday (but no earlier) prior to running on a Monday.