Gulfstream Park restrictions lifted after negative test for herpes

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – All restrictions at Gulfstream Park were lifted late Thursday afternoon after test results on a horse who died the previous morning came back negative for the equine herpesvirus.

Gulfstream Park officials had put restrictions on the barn that housed the deceased horse as a precautionary measure until test results could be obtained ruling out the possibility that it had died from any potentially contagious diseases such as equine herpesvirus. Four horses residing in the restricted barn were scratched from Wednesday and Thursday’s racing programs.

“We’re relieved that all tests came back negative and everybody can return to business as usual,” Gulfstream Park president and general manager Tim Ritvo said. “We’re sorry for any inconveniences caused by the restrictions, but they were precautionary measures that had to be taken in light of the circumstances.”