By Andrew Atkinson, Leader racing correspondent.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) has given the go ahead that British runners will be able to race there – if they comply with its requirements – in the wake of an equine flu outbreak outbreak.
Racing in Britain was suspended last week after the Cheshire stables of trainer Donald McCain were hit with horses with the virus.
No racing has taken place in Britain since last Thursday, with the news sending shock waves through the turf fraternity in The Sport of Kings.
Despite four new positive tests being returned in vaccinated thoroughbreds at the Newmarket yard of flat trainer Simon Crisford on Sunday the IHRB has given the nod for British runners to compete there.
The BHA said it made its decision after taking into account data already gathered and the results of tests being carried out by the Animal Health Trust (AHT) on Monday.
Racing was suspended after the discovery on Thursday of three cases of equine flu at McCain’s Cheshire stable. Three further cases were later reported at his yard.
The AHT is prioritising testing horses that could have been exposed to horses that have tested positive, or horses from yards that have returned positive tests.
With the Cheltenham Festival in March looming both racegoers and trainers alike have been awaiting positive news following last week’s ban in Britain.
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