Racing officials are working with Ascot to ensure the arrival of the Royal Family and guests by horse-drawn carriage can go ahead as usual despite introducing a ban on non-thoroughbred horses entering racecourse property
16:21, 18 May 2026Updated 16:24, 18 May 2026
King Charles and Queen Camilla Royal procession at Ascot is facing challenges from a rise in equine flu(Image: Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse)
The King and Queen’s Royal Ascot procession, one of the highlights of the world famous five-day race meeting, is facing challenges from a rise in equine flu cases.
Earlier this month the May 10 race meeting at Plumpton had to be abandoned due to a confirmed case of highly contagious equine influenza and EHV-4 in a non-thoroughbred horse at a livery yard adjacent to the track.
As another precautionary measure the BHA announced on Monday that only horses from licensed training premises would be permitted to enter racecourse property on raceday from May 20. This has resulted in all scheduled hunter chase races plus activities involving other equines on racecourses being abandoned.
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The popular all hunter chase evening fixture at Stratford on May 29 is among the highest profile casualties.
A BHA statement said: “With a continued rise in reported equine influenza cases in the non-thoroughbred population, this is a precautionary measure to prevent any mixing between the thoroughbred racing herd and horses and ponies from yards that are not licensed.”
Retraining of Racehorses (ROR) parades and activities such as petting farms and pony rides as part of family fun day entertainment will also no longer be allowed as a result of the decision made in consultation with infectious disease experts at Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS) and the Racecourse Association’s representative on the BHA veterinary group.
The Royal procession is one of the most popular features of the royal meeting(Image: Getty Images)
In addition discussions are to take place with Ascot to make sure the same biosecurity measures in force at licensed premises are replicated for royal procession horses to ensure they can enter the racecourse without any increased risk.
The BHA said the restrictions would remain in place until the levels of equine influenza in the British horse population have fallen and there is no heightened risk to the thoroughbred racing herd.
BHA Director of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare, James Given, said: “The news today will understandably be disappointing for many people, but levels of equine flu are higher than at any time in recent history and it’s essential that we take all necessary steps to protect the thoroughbred herd.
King Charles and the Queen reach the course by horse drawn carriage every day they attend(Image: Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse)
“These measures follow extensive engagement with independent infectious disease experts about how we further reduce the risk of exposure and ensure the continuity of racing. “In addition to vaccination, this can be best achieved by preventing the mixing of racehorses with horses and ponies from premises that are not licensed by the BHA, where we have more limited information about their health and vaccination status. “I’m encouraged by the response we have already seen from the racing community about the vital importance of maintaining the biosecurity of the thoroughbred racing herd. We continue to urge constant vigilance, especially around the movement and mixing of horses. “We continue to advise trainers to be extra vigilant with biosecurity on yards and the movement of horses. All new horses entering a yard, including from the sales, should be fully vaccinated and must be isolated for a period of 14 days.
Stratford’s popular all-hunter chase fixture has been abandoned
“Trainers and teams should also be alert to the signs of the virus, which include a raised temperature, harsh cough or nasal discharge. Rectal temperatures should be recorded daily. Any horse showing signs of equine influenza should be immediately assessed by a veterinary surgeon. “The rise in the number of reported equine influenza cases across the UK in the non-thoroughbred population is a situation the BHA is monitoring closely. We have not been alerted to any confirmed cases or clinical signs within licensed training yards. “Most of the reported cases are in non-vaccinated animals, but some have occurred in vaccinated horses. It is important to emphasise however that these are horses approaching the point of their next booster vaccination and therefore their immunity is lower.”