The Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) and Racing Victoria have finally reached a conclusion that will allow European horses to compete in the Melbourne spring racing carnival this year.

AQIS has given approval for the Newmarket quarantine facility to be used to house horses awaiting transport.

Racing Victoria chief executive, Rob Hines, was thrilled with the outcome.

“We are delighted that AQIS has given approval for quarantine at Newmarket which will ensure that European trainers can continue their preparations for this year’s spring carnival safe in the knowledge that the required ne facilities exist,” Mr Hines said.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank AQIS for their efforts in reaching this positive outcome, together with officials at IRT and Side Hill in England who were also instrumental.”

While the other facilities in question have not yet been labelled suitable, Mr Hines believes that an outcome concerning these centres will also be reached in the coming days.

“We are continuing our positive discussions with AQIS around pre-export quarantine facilities at Ballydoyle in Ireland and remain confident of reaching a resolution that would allow Coolmore-owned horses such as So You Think to return to Australia via that facility should his owners so desire,” he said.

This resolution will now allow European trainers to nominate their horse with confidence, with nominations for the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate closing next Tuesday.

Melbourne Cup nominations are due to close a month later on September 1.