English trainer Ferdy Murphy has closed his stable and
will not have any runners until the crisis caused by the outbreak of foot and mouth disease is resolved.
Murphy was due to have five runners at Catterick today but is worried his horses could bring the disease back to the farming community at West Witton in north Yorkshire where his yard is based.
The trainer has one of the most powerful yards in the north of England, housing over 80 horses at West Witton, and also has a satellite yard at Worlingworth Hall, Suffolk.
Murphy was due to send a strong team to the Cheltenham Festival in a fortnight, including the likes of Narrow Water, Streamstown and Hindiana.
Fellow trainer Pam Sly shares Murphy's fears and has withdrawn her two runners at Catterick.
She will not race any of her string, based at Singlecote near Peterborough, until the outbreak is contained.
PA