Blues For Breeders

Newcastle Herald

Friday August 24, 2007

By DONNA SHARPE

STALLIONS from Ireland and Japan destined for Upper Hunter studs are being kept in quarantine in Sydney with fears at least one may have contracted the equine flu virus.

It was reported this week that the equine influenza outbreak in Japan, which is threatening the return of last year's Melbourne Cup quinella of Delta Blues and Pop Rock, has cost the Japanese racing industry at least $480 million in lost turnover.

Spokesmen for two of the Upper Hunter's leading studs said yesterday that many of the stallions were due to arrive in their area this week in time for the thoroughbred breeding season, which begins next month.

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service has cleared two of the horses but is still waiting for test results on a third before the animals can be released.

Peter Flynn, of Woodlands Stud, said he was waiting on one of the horses that has been quarantined.

"We really don't know much longer we will be waiting but this is something that has to be done," he said.

"The chances of this horse having the equine flu are particularly low but these precautionary measures have to be taken."

The stallion bound for Woodlands comes from Ireland.

Mr Flynn said there were no concerns about the flu in the Upper Hunter.

Peter O'Brien, of Coolmore Stud, is waiting for nine stallions (one from Japan and eight from Ireland) to be released from quarantine.

"We really don't need them here until the first week in September and I am very hopeful they will be here by the middle of next week," he said.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home