The 1986 equine influenza outbreak in South Africa virtually halted racing in some parts of the country. Last month, equine flu again reared its ugly and contagious head, causing cancellation of races at several top tracks and forcing quarantine of horses suspected of being exposed to the virus. The flu affected six stabling/training complexes and approximately 3,000 horses, according to Rob de Kock, CEO, The Jockey Club of Southern Africa. He noted, “We are unable to quantify losses with any degree of accuracy at this stage. An investigation with regard to the origin was implemented the third week of January.

“In the worst affected areas, i.e., the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, we expect to start racing again on Feb. 7 and Jan. 23, respectively,” said de Kock. Flu has postponed the country’s national yearling sales, formerly scheduled for mid-March and now set for April 30