Danedream’s bid for back-to-back wins in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe appears over after Cologne racecourse where she is stabled was placed into quarantine on Monday afternoon.
The German track has been shut down for three months after a horse tested positive for an equine infection of the blood.
No horses based at Cologne can leave the racecourse, including the Peter Schiergen-trained Danedream, a brilliant winner of the Longchamp feature 12 months ago.
“We are the biggest training centre in Germany and one horse has tested positive for equine infectious anaemia (EIA),” racecourse general manager Benedikt Fassbender told PA.
“For three months we are now in quarantine. No horses can come in to the track, and no horses can come out.
“It is a disaster, especially as Danedream cannot take part in the Arc at the orders of the special vets.
“Danedream has not been infected by the disease, but every horse will be tested for the infection in the next few days.”
Patrick Barbe, racing manager for Danedream’s part-owner, Teruya Yoshida, said he was “very pessimistic” about Danedream being given clearance to compete in the Arc.
“At the moment, Danedream is very well and has not been infected,” he said.
“The only horse who has been infected is on the other side of the racecourse to Danedream.
“Because the Arc is only now in a few days’ time, I’m very pessimistic she will be allowed to run.”
