I thought I would pass on the latest info on the California front. I spoke today with my former associate at Golden Gate Fields. The one horse that was shipped to UC Davis with neurological signs is improving and has been receiving daily nasal swab tests for the EHV-1 virus. The last couple of tests apparently have been negative. This is obviously good news. The not so good news is that of the 40 horses tested in the barn the infected horse came from, 5 horses have tested positve. None, I repeat, none of these of horses has shown any signs of illness and are otherwise normal. So, this does not seem to be related to the very virulent and deadly outbreak in Florida and seemingly not associated with the Warmblood in Southern California that died before Christmas. If no other horses come up with any signs of the disease, the lockdown on the 3 tracks may be lifted soon.
The news from Florida is encouraging also. No new cases, no new positives and if this continues, they may start playing by mid January. At Eldorado, we are still looking OK. I was approached today by a client stating that they had purchased a horse in Wellington and asked my feelings on bringing it here. Needless to say, I suggested, rather emphatically, that they should hold off for a few weeks. The important point is that this person was informed and concerned enough to ask. We should applaud and thank him for his responsible attitude. Let’s hope everyone else does the same.
Anyway, the ball is being thrown in at noon on Friday on the 50th season at Eldorado. Best of luck to everyone and their horses for a safe anf healthy season.