Vic breeders disgusted: Mudgway

Saturday, 24 November 2007

Bronwyn Farr

MELBOURNE - Victorian-based breeder Gary Mudgway has slammed moves by NSW breeders to have their yearlings transported to the EI-free state for the Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale in March.

"They say there is ‘little or no risk'," Mudgway said in a statement.

"I say if the borders remain closed there is even less risk.

"Why should we support bringing in horses from outside the state, they have their own sales in NSW and Qld -- ask yourself what would they would do if the tables were turned?"

"Is this whole campaign to bring these horses in motivated and driven by interests in NSW?"

Mudgway said it was believed an announcement would be made on Tuesday allowing horses that had been infected with EI to enter Victoria.

He said local breeders had been urged by the Victorian Thoroughbred Breeders Association to contact the DPI voicing their disgust at a DPI decision to risk a possible Lock Down if the disease entered Victoria.

"How can anyone be comfortable with these horses entering the state with what we know at present -- if this disease is found anywhere in Victoria we will all be locked down," Mudgway fumed.

"It is becoming clear that what happened at Eastern Creek could very well be repeated in the entire state of Victoria -- who is going to compensate us then?"

Mudgway questioned whether purchasers would be keen to buy yearlings recently infected with EI.

"[The DPI] should also seek the advice of the long-suffering owners of pleasure horses, who are unlikely to sit still while the DPI risks bringing the disease into Victoria and consequently shuts down their entire summer season," he said.