Ryan records first winner since equine herpes outbreak

Kevin Ryan, whose yard was shut down for more than three weeks after an outbreak of equine herpes, celebrated his first winner since being allowed to have runners again when Company Asset struck at Hamilton on Thursday evening.

Ryan, who is based not far from Thirsk in North Yorkshire, was left rocked after the BHA put a temporary quarantine order on his stable at the start of June.

The neighbouring yards of Bryan Smart and Michael Herrington were also put under quarantine and no entries from Ryan were accepted until British racing's ruling body was satisfied his base was clear of the virus.

The trainer, who enjoyed his biggest wins with former stable star The Grey Gatsby in the Prix du Jockey Club and Irish Champion Stakes, had not had a runner since May 30, but the BHA cleared him to resume normal service last week and nine of his horses had made the frame since.

It was Company Asset, however, who put the smile back on his face when quickening in taking style to win Hamilton's 1m½f fillies' handicap.

Ryan tweeted his delight and Kevin Stott, who did the steering on the four-year-old and is attached to the yard, told Racing UK: "They're all in great form at home. They're bouncing and all ready to run, so I'm pretty sure we're going to have a good few months.

"It's one of those things. You can't predict it and I'm just glad the horses are all right."

Equine herpes virus is a common virus that occurs in horse populations worldwide. It can cause respiratory disease, particularly in the younger population, but will also cause abortion in broodmares as well as causing uncoordination, paralysis and death.

In March, France's champion trainer Jean-Claude Rouget had to put the barn that housed European champion Almanzor into quarantine after a deadly outbreak of the virus claimed the lives of two of his string.