Filly tests positive for Equine Herpesvirus at Laurel Park

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.