By Daithi Harvey
Group 1 winning trainer Bryan Smart is hoping to get the all-clear to resume having runners following the recent lockdown of his string. The trainer's proximity to the yard of Kevin Ryan in nearby Hambleton, where a horse has tested positive for Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1), has lead to Smart not being permitted to run any of his horses for fear of spreading the virus. Due to the sharing of horseboxes one of Smart's horses was believed to be at greater risk than others but thankfully it appears that particular horse is healthy and well. “Our blood test came back clear,” said Smart.”There's a second blood test to do on Wednesday because they need to be done a week apart, but I'm happy with his condition. We're taking his temperature twice a day, that is normal and I have no qualms about him at all. I'm making entries for Saturday so we'll see what happens.” Equine herpes virus is a common virus that occurs in horse populations worldwide. EHV-1 can cause respiratory disease, particularly in the younger population, but will also cause abortion in broodmares as well as causing un-coordination, paralysis and death. Kevin Ryan's yard remains under quarantine and no update on when that might be lifted has been announced
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