Ontario’s Park Stud closes breeding shed early for 2013

Park Stud in Orangeville, Ontario, concluded its breeding season slightly ahead of schedule in response to the recent outbreak of the equine herpesvirus at Woodbine.

A pair of 64-horse barns at Woodbine were placed under quarantine by the Ontario Racing Commission on Wednesday after five horses tested positive for the virus. The ORC also implemented a seven-day restriction on horses shipping out of the track without approval, with further action depending on how the situation has progressed.

While no horses have tested positive for the virus at the farm, Warren Byrne of Park Stud said the decision to end the season early was made as a precautionary measure.

“It was a difficult decision, as we have always tried to accommodate our clients in any way we can,” Byrne said. “While the EHV-1 virus has not been detected at Park Stud, the mere threat of the virus miles away at Woodbine, and the fact that it is so easily transmittable, poses too much risk to the stallions, the horses residing on the farm, and our clients’ mares. We would like to thank all of the breeders who bred with us in 2013. We had a truly amazing season and will look forward to 2014.”

Park Stud stands Grade 1 winners Court Vision and Victor’s Cry. Canadian champion Marchfield stood at the farm but was sold to South Africa’s Moutonshoek Stud in May.