SINGAPORE,  23 September 2007

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has placed both The Singapore Polo Club and Bukit Timah Saddle Club under quarantine, after five horses at the Singapore Polo Club showed clinical signs of respiratory viral disease.

Samples from the horses are being tested by AVA to determine the exact ailment. There are a number of possibilities, including Equine Influenza.

As a result, racing in Singapore today carried on as normal except that Singapore Turf Club restricted contact with horses and access to the following areas:

• Horsewalk

• Parade Ring

• Winning Enclosure

Only the following personnel were allowed in the restricted areas:

• Staff from Singapore Turf Club

• Trainers & Jockeys

• Essential staff of trainers

As an added preventive measure, Singapore Turf Club also disallowed stable personnel who have been to the Singapore Polo Club and Bukit Timah Saddle Club in the last three days from entering the stable premises of the Singapore Turf Club.

A statement from the Singapore Turf Club said the Club will monitor the situation and work closely with AVA. Adjustments will be made to the current measures imposed if necessary.