24 Dec 2008

Racing industry welcomes easing of import restrictions

9:55 am on 24 December 2008

The racing industry says big-name Australian horses could race here over the summer, now that import restrictions are being eased.

Biosecurity New Zealand is planning to relax restrictions on horses from Australia, which have required them to be quarantined for five weeks to prevent the spread of equine influenza.

Thoroughbred Racing spokesperson Simon Cooper says up to seven high-profile horses, including Takeover Target, could now race in this country over summer. He says the international horses will provide a real boost in momentum for the racing industry.