The British Horseracing Authority has announced that all racing in Britain will be postponed until Wednesday 13 February at the earliest, after an outbreak of equine influenza.
Racing was abandoned across Britain on Thursday morning, after three horses at Donald McCain’s yard in Cheshire tested positive for the virus.
Racing in Ireland continued, but British horses were banned from competing.
The BHA says it will take a decision next Monday as to whether racing can resume on Wednesday.
The decision means this weekend's Betfair Super Saturday meet at Newbury, which includes two Grade 2 races and the £155,000 Betafir Hurdle, will not take place.
That news will come as a huge blow to connections of two leading Gold Cup candidates, less than five weeks out from the Cheltenham Festival, with last year's winner Native River and King George hero Clan Des Obeaux both due to have their final prep run in the Denman Chase.
