Horseracing: French hopes dashed again
Fresh hopes French-trained horses could yet take part in the Cheltenham Festival have been dealt a blow.
There were hopes the ban on horses travelling across the Channel might be lifted after the racing authorities gave the go-ahead for racing to resume in their country.
But now Europe's veterinary experts have banned all livestock markets in the fifteen member states and imposed restrictions on the movement of animals across EU borders.
Chantilly-based Francois Doumen will be the biggest sufferer if the travel ban continues.
He trains leading Gold Cup contender First Gold as well as well-fancied hurdling duo Baracouda and Bilboa.
Fellow French trainer Guillaume Macaire saddles Triumph Hurdle favourite Jair Du Cochet.
