Equine flu outbreak: Legendary jockey AP McCoy fearful of virus spreading but praises the BHA for acting quickly
The 20-time champion jockey is hoping the BHA have acted quickly enough to halt the spread of the virus
AP McCoy is hoping the BHA can contain the spread of equine flu before serious damage is caused to the sport.
The 20-time champion jockey revealed his concerns after racing was cancelled in Britain on Thursday.
McCoy told Talksport that the need to act fast to contain the virus was vital.
He praised the BHA for their extremely high standards of horse welfare and for taking swift action following news of the outbreak.
He said: "It's a big worry. They say it was a yard (Donald McCain) who had runners at both meetings yesterday, and to try and get a handle on all this is not going to be easy.
"Gordon Elliott had horses racing at Ayr yesterday and they went back to Ireland but they were isolated straight away at a separate yard.
"The problem is going to be testing all the horses in all the yards that had runners at Ayr or Ludlow before you can resume.
"One thing the BHA deal really well with is the welfare of horses, it is second to none.
"They'll do what's best and do all they can, but it could take a little while."
McCoy also pointed out that many jockeys will feel the pinch financially if there is a prolonged period without racing.
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He continued: "They're not like footballers, they basically get paid per ride.
"There will be a lot of lads who depend on it, it's their livelihood, so if this goes on for a length of time they won't be earning.
"I remember it well in 2001 when we lost the Cheltenham Festival because of foot and mouth.
"I remember the first few days when we were told there was going to be no racing. I'd had a very busy winter and I was thinking this is great I'll be able to have a few days off.
"Four or five of us went to Dubai for a week. But then we came back and there was still no racing, and when you lose something as huge as the Festival it has a huge impact on the sport.
"But hopefully it won't go on that long and hopefully it can be sorted out as quickly as possible."