British racehorses face a possible worldwide ban as a result of the foot and mouth crisis.
Yesterday Australia announced an indefinite halt on the importation of horses from Britain and Ireland. The move could have major implications for Britain and Ireland's multimillion-pound stud industries as it threatens the practice of shuttling stallions between the northern and southern hemispheres. In a further setback for racing, Germany signalled that this week it would follow Australia's lead. That would stop horses from stables in the British Isles competing in German races. Although four horses are due to run in the Winter Derby at Lingfield on Saturday, it now seems unlikely that they will travel.