Business as usual for Japanese studs despite coronavirus state of emergency

Japanese studs are striving to maintain business as usual in the face of a state of emergency having been declared on the island of Hokkaido due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Hokkaido, home of Japan's breeding industry, had confirmed over 70 cases up to Wednesday – more than any other prefecture in the country, not including international passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship quarantined near Tokyo.

Measures included citizens being asked to refrain from leaving their homes over the weekend, and those with even mild symptoms being told to stay off work.

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Harry Sweeney, president of Darley Japan, reported that the state of emergency had caused some staffing difficulties but minimal disruption to the running of studs overall.

“Darley and Godolphin’s operations in Japan are mostly based in the country's most northerly island of Hokkaido, where we stand ten stallions and have our breeding operation in addition to our pre-training facility,” he said.

“In total, we have around 600 horses and 125 staff. We were therefore naturally alarmed when the state of emergency due to coronavirus was announced by the Hokkaido governor last Friday.

"At that time, there had been 66 cases of coronavirus diagnosed in Hokkaido but in the last five days since the emergency has been declared, thankfully, there have been only an additional 16 new cases diagnosed.

“All schools have been closed and naturally we have some parents now wishing to take time off to care for young children, and this is putting pressure on some departments.

"However, largely, it's business as usual and I'm proud to say that every single member of staff reported for work last Saturday on the first day of the state of emergency.

“We're continuing to train our horses, new foals are being born and our stallions are busy. However, we are probably getting somewhat fewer visits from trainers to look at stock than we would normally expect.”

Sweeney, a County Louth native who has been based in Japan for 30 years, went on to describe the wider public reaction to the state of emergency.

“There has been some panic buying and certain staples are sold out in the local stores,” he said. “Rice has been sold out in addition to tissues and face masks. And there is absolutely no toilet paper to be had!

“Horseracing went ahead in the JRA last weekend but no spectators were allowed. The JRA’s betting shops were also closed.

“Nevertheless, betting turnover at the weekend was still a healthy 85 per cent of the turnover of the corresponding weekend last year, due to the more than four million racing fans who have JRA online betting accounts.”

Governments worldwide have been grappling with how to contain the spread of coronavirus, which originated in China in December and has reached a global death toll of 3,190, with more than 93,000 people infected in more than 80 countries.

It has been mooted that racing events in Britain and Ireland, in particular next week's Cheltenham Festival, could be in danger of postponement if the British government moved to stop the public congregating in large numbers – however, racecourse officials and the BHA have said they expect no disruption.

Nevertheless, racing in France this week has taken place behind closed doors.

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