Black Caviar may be unable to race in Hong Kong in December due to strict quarantine protocols

Black Caviar may be unable to race in Hong Kong in December due to strict quarantine protocols set by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS).

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has met with AQIS representatives this week in an effort to ensure that Black Caviar will be able to run at Sha Tin Racecourse come December.

The current guidelines put in place by AQIS have tough and extensive protocols for horses returning to Australia from Asian countries such as Hong Kong.

The prospect of Black Caviar being subjected to lengthy quarantine spells and tests could be enough for trainer Peter Moody to revoke his decision to race her overseas later in the year.

HKJC director of racing Bill Nader is working hard to ensure that an agreement with AQIS is able to be reached.

“We are trying to ensure we meet the guidelines to facilitate the movement of horses specifically between Australia and Hong Kong,” Nader said.

Mr Nader has accused AQIS of being inconsistent with its guidelines.

“The problem for us is that the goalposts have been moving,” Mr Nader said.

“The rules have been changing and we are within guidelines one minute, then outside them.

“We would hate to be in a position that we think we are OK and then lose the (mare) later in the year because things have changed again.”

Black Caviar is currently being aimed at an overseas campaign that would include races in both Hong Kong and Japan.

Mr Nader is confident a conclusion with AQIS on the matter will be reached in the near future.

“I don’t know if we will get it finalised right now but, by having the AQIS people come and see everything for themselves, we will try to get a more solid outcome than what has been happening in the past,” Mr Nader said.