Archie Watson puts runners on hold after test reveals antibodies to equine virus

Prolific Lambourn trainer Archie Watson will not have any runners for at least the next two weeks after a test among one of his string revealed the presence of antibodies for a notifiable viral disease.

Watson withdrew three runners at Lingfield and Wolverhampton on Saturday and also scratched Mehmento from Sunday's meeting at Southwell, while Timetoroe will not head to Lingfield on Monday.

The Group 1-winning trainer had been preparing to take a horse to France, which led to the potential discovery of equine viral arteritis (EVA), a disease that can cause conjunctivitis, fever and swelling around the eyes and lower legs among other symptoms, although, according to a notice from the UK government, many infected horses will show no clinical signs.

EVA can be transmitted through contaminated equipment and materials and droplets on the breath of infected animals for up to two weeks.

Glen Shiel: secured a big win for Watson at Ascot on Champions DayCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Watson, whose Glen Shiel landed the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot in October, has alerted health officials and will now take precautionary measures to prevent further problems.

He said in a statement on Sunday: "We recently had a horse undergo routine testing for transit to France as part of the new export testing protocols. One of these tests revealed the presence of antibodies to EVA. As a result, the relevant bodies, including the BHA, were contacted immediately and we have been taking advice from them.

"The yard is attended daily by our veterinary team and at no point have there been any clinical signs of the disease. Whilst we continue to investigate, the most sensible course of action to safeguard the British racing industry was to stop the movement of horses from my yards as further testing takes place over the next two weeks.

"I would like to thank my staff, veterinarians, and James Given at the BHA for their professionalism and efficiency in managing the situation, and my owners for their understanding and continued support."

Watson began training in 2016 and two years later became only the fourth Lambourn trainer after Peter Walwyn, Nicky Henderson and Barry Hills to send out more than 100 winners in a campaign, while in 2019 he eclipsed the latter's village Flat record of 113 winners by firing in 133 victories.

Sherbet Lemon: a winner for Watson at Newcastle on ThursdayCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

A spokesman for the BHA praised Watson's rapid response and said: "Having been notified that a horse in his yard had tested positive for EVA, which is a notifiable disease, Mr Watson has acted swiftly and appropriately by contacting the BHA and other relevant bodies.

"Upon taking advice from the leading equine epidemiologist Dr Richard Newton it was agreed that a temporary stop should be put on runners from Mr Watson's yard as a precaution, and in order to facilitate a programme of testing over the next two weeks. We hope to have a full picture of the horses's health status after this period, with a view to being able to lift restrictions.

"EVA is primarily transmitted by sexual intercourse in equines and therefore does not pose as significant a risk of infection as some other equine diseases. However, transmission is also possible by other means and, if contracted, the virus can have serious implications for equine welfare. This is why these precautionary measures were seen as essential, alongside the observance of best practice biosecurity measures.

"We are grateful to Mr Watson for his swift action, professionalism and co-operation in handling this incident, and hope that it can be resolved swiftly."

Two years ago British racing was forced into a six-day shutdown following an equine flu outbreak among the horse population, while in 2017 Kevin Ryan closed his North Yorkshire stable for more than three weeks after an equine herpes scare.

Read more:

Cagnes-sur-Mer on alert after EHV-4 virus cases reach elevated levels at Pau

Henrietta Knight: equine flu a can of worms that should have been kept shut

Ryan records first winner since equine herpes outbreak

Ryan yard shut down by BHA after outbreak of deadly herpes virus

David Sykes to step down as director of equine health and welfare

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