EHV Spreads in Northeast; Penn National Horse Tests Positive

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In the wake of a horse being diagnosed with equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) at Penn National Race Course on Friday, Philadelphia Park has banned shippers from that oval, effective immediately. Shippers from Maryland, including the Bowie Training Center, are also prohibited.

"We don't have any problems right now, and we'd like to keep it that way," said Philadelphia's assistant racing secretary Nick Black.

Philadelphia Park-based horses are able to ship to Penn National to race, but will not be allowed back on the grounds.

West End Lady, a mare trained by Todd Beattie that raced earlier this month at Laurel Park in Maryland and returned to her barn at Penn National on Jan. 2, was confirmed positive for EHV-1 on Friday morning. The mare has already been moved off the grounds of the racetrack.

On Friday, Penn National announced it would not accept entries from any Maryland racetrack or the entry of any horse that has been on the grounds of a Maryland track since January 9.

At present, Penn National-based horses are allowed to ship to other racetracks that will accept them.

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