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South African Equine Health and Protocols (SAEHP) has announced an important and exciting update regarding the re-opening of European Union (EU) export markets to the various equine disciplines in South Africa.SAEHP, in conjunction with the South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), advises that DALRRD has received official notification that the reinstatement of direct exports of registered equines from South Africa to the EU has been approved.This official notification followed a meeting of the EU Commission Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed – Controls and Import Conditions Section whereby the EU Member States endorsed the Commission’s proposal for an amendment to Annex IV of the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404.

This amendment places South Africa’s African Horse Sickness (AHS) free zone back on the Annex IV list as an authorised zone within South Africa from which registered equines are authorised for direct entry into the EU following the required in-country pre-export quarantine period.

It is 13 years since South Africa was last able to export registered equines directly to the EU. SAEHP was formed in 2018 and has been working with the South African Government for the past six years to achieve this export milestone. It has taken longer than originally anticipated, with the main reason being that Covid affected the first official EU audit timing, scheduled for 2020, but with the audit rescheduled and carried out in 2022 and subsequent communications between DALRRD and the EU authorities, the reinstatement of direct EU equine exports has now been granted.

The most challenging hurdle has now been surpassed, and the implementation of exports will be straightforward. The workstreams to achieve this success have been long and complex.SAEHP would like to sincerely thank the South African Government, DALRRD, the Western Cape Veterinary Services, SAEHP’s various funders in South Africa, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, the National Horseracing Authority (NHA), the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Quarantine Station, the Thoroughbred Breeders Association  as well as all the participants in the audit process, the laboratories, trainers, stud farms, registering authorities (NHA, Stud Book, and South African Equestrian Federation), stop over quarantine facilities and last but not least the SAEHP board members, management and staff for together achieving this important outcome.

This is a very positive development for both the South African thoroughbred racing industry as well as for other equine disciplines in the country and the re-opening of normal trade will have many benefits, including in time the creation of further jobs in this employment intensive industry.

The reinstatement of direct exports to the EU may lead to other export markets deciding to invest in South African horses, either by exporting via the EU or exporting directly from South Africa.This will lead to greater interest in South African yearlings and horses in training of all equine disciplines, benefiting breeders and owners who choose to either sell to overseas buyers or compete internationally.

Dr Mpho Maja, Director Animal Health at DALRRD, said “I am very pleased with the outcome; this shows that when we work together, we can achieve what is thought to be impossible. I send my gratitude to the equine industry and provincial veterinary services for the support provided in ensuring compliance to the requirements. I look forward to our horses flying the flag internationally and making us all proud.

David Abery, Chairman of SAEHP, said “This is very exciting news, and thank you to everyone involved in making it happen. It is anticipated that this opening up of direct EU exports will, over time, give a significant boost to not just the South African thoroughbred racing and breeding industry, but also to the other equine disciplines, all of which have been somewhat internationally isolated for many years.“It is vital that what has now been achieved is maintained, and we look forward to working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the functions of SAEHP are well funded and developed as required, so that we can support industry in maximising the value which flows from an efficient and strong horse export system.”

This EU amendment will come into effect after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union which is expected to occur shortly. SAEHP will advise when this publication has been made.

The pre-export quarantine period will take place at the existing Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Quarantine Station, exports will be then able to take place from the AHS free zone in Cape Town directly to the EU.

Further information will be disseminated in due course ( lifted from press release published in the Sporting Post this morning).

Great news 👏 

We have got this the wrong way round. With one or two exceptions, our champs have proven to be chumps in European competition. For me the opportunity here is to market SA racing in the Summer to the Europeans. Horses running just off the top horses in Europe would clean up here. Imagine a Met with 3/4 decent UK or French entrants. 

If I were Vermaak or Bortz I would be identifying European horses that could win the Graded races in the Cape season and get the invitations going.

With the strong pound, if marketed well it could be beneficial to the breeders

But it could also drive the small owners out the game if costs go up with money coming overseas

RACING POST  The racing industry in South Africa has received a major boost after the long-standing ban on the direct export of horses to the EU was lifted on Monday. The restriction had been in place for 13 years since an outbreak of African horse sickness in 2011 led to the ban, which has left racing and other equine disciplines in South Africa cut adrift from its global competitors.South Africa's multiple champion trainer Mike de Kock has been among those forced out of embarking on international campaigns due to the restriction put in place by the EU, which was reciprocated in other countries.De Kock was a dominant figure at the Dubai World Cup Carnival for many years and, despite meeting quarantine requirements by taking his horses on a lengthy route via Mauritius, he has now become a notable absence on the international stage.Aside from the dearth of South African runners globally, the ban has suffocated the country's bloodstock industry, which used to attract high-profile buyers such as Shadwell.After years of negotiations, South African Equine Health and Protocols (SAEHP) announced the reopening of the EU exports markets following a meeting with EU authorities.SAEHP chairman David Abery said: "This is very exciting news, and thank you to everyone involved in making it happen. It is anticipated that this opening up of direct EU exports will, over time, give a significant boost to not just the South African thoroughbred racing and breeding industry, but also to the other equine disciplines, all of which have been somewhat internationally isolated for many years."It is vital that what has now been achieved is maintained and we look forward to working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the functions of SAEHP are well funded and developed as required, so that we can support industry in maximising the value which flows from an efficient and strong horse export system.”South African runners have competed at Royal Ascot, but not since 2014 when De Kock brought two runners. The De Kock-trained  J J The Jet Plane  had a successful spell in Britain during 2009, winning on his British debut at Windsor before finishing fourth in the Golden Jubilee Stakes.In relation to equine movements the UK has also audited South Africa and the audit report will be issued by Defra in due course.

There is now no time for relaxation and complacency from managing the protocols. Dont fcuk this up.

Shea Shea was a short head ( twice) from being crowned the best sprinter in the World

And he wasn't even the best in South Africa!

What's happened to the Sprinters recently, very poor bunch the last few years!