The Maryland Department of Agriculture confirmed Tuesday that HEY RALPHY
(Conquistador Cielo) was infected by Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1). The Rodney
Jenkins-trained three-year-old filly was euthanized Thursday with a suspected
pelvic injury. A Hold Order has been placed on Barn 9 at Laurel Park. Jenkins
has decided not to train any of his horses until the Hold Order ends.
“We are working cooperatively with all involved parties using the most
up-to-date science and respected practices, and going beyond what has been done
in previous EHV incidents around the country, to manage this situation,” said
Dr. Guy Hohenhaus, Maryland state veterinarian. “We urge everyone’s patience and
diligence in continuing strong preventive measures such as keeping new horses
separate from others for a period of time, disinfecting, and keeping
vaccinations up to date. It is a matter of time and continued proper management
to bring this outbreak to conclusion.”
Three horses have been euthanized at Pimlico Race Course, where the outbreak
was first discovered in early January. Another horse, so far unlinked to those
at Pimlico, was put down last week at a Kent County farm.
Eight horses remain isolated in the Pimlico Detention barn suffering from
various levels of the virus. The Maryland Jockey Club placed the Baltimore track
under quarantine on January 21, restricting the movement of horses. There have
been no new cases of EHV-1 at Pimlico since January 19.
“Today’s new is disappointing, but we still think we see light at the end of
the tunnel,” Maryland Jockey Club Chief Operating Officer Lou Raffetto said. “We
had hoped we would have this situation under control by February 9, which
essentially would have been one month since the first case at Pimlico. We are
now going to have to wait and monitor the situation here at Laurel. We have
already put the proper precautions into place to control the situation.”
Three barns at Pimlico remain under Hold Orders. The Maryland Department of
Agriculture said it cannot lift the Hold Order on Barn 5 at Pimlico because one
horse tested positive for the virus on a nasal swab sample, despite not showing
symptoms. Additional tests are being conducted. Barn 5 was eligible to come off
the Hold Order Monday afternoon. The Hold Order on Barn 6 is scheduled to be
removed Sunday, if all tests are negative. The Hold Order on Barn A could be
cleared February 9.
“Progress is being made and there is strong reason to maintain a positive
outlook,” Hohenhaus added. “It is just not going as quickly as anyone would
like.”
Laurel Park announced the cancellations last week of two scheduled Sunday
programs,
January 29 and February 5.
In addition, Laurel Park will reschedule its two marquee races of the meet —
the $300,000 Barbara Fritchie Breeders’ Cup H. (G2) and the $300,000 General
George Breeders’ Cup H. (G2) — presently slated for February 18 and February
20, respectively. Track officials are expected to announce new dates for the
seven-furlong events within the next two weeks.