Taylor Vinters - Solicitors

Published by Louise Border.

The rules surrounding the exporting of thoroughbred breeding horses from Britain to India have been relaxed, it has been confirmed.

Rachel Flynn, Taylor Vinters' head of horseracing and equine, explained: "The implications for British breeders and sales consignors are significant. In 2009, Indian purchasers accounted for 79 mares at a value of 1.7 million euros at Goffs November Sales in Ireland (no such ban was in place for Ireland) and with at least 150 thoroughbred mares being exported to India last year, this is a strong indication of the growing importance of the Indian thoroughbred industry.

"The good news is that they will be able to buy breeding stock in Britain as well as Ireland in 2010."

Newmarket-based Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) chairman Kirsten Rausing said: "The TBA has been working to secure the movement of horses since the restriction was imposed in 1995.

"The TBA's success comes at a time when there is an interest in our high quality British bloodstock, and the industry needs to maximise the opportunities for international trade."

UK Trade and Investment's (UKTI) chief executive Sir Andrew Cahn has also welcomed the amendment to India's regulations, which saw British imports banned for a period of 19 years.

He stated: "Together with Defra [the government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs] and the British thoroughbred industry, UKTI has worked tirelessly to get this ban relaxed and I'm delighted all the hard work has finally paid off."

The Indian Ministry of Agriculture announced the relaxation of the import ban, which originally came into force because of the threat of contagious equine metritis.

Please contact Rachel Flynn, Head of Horseracing and Equine for further information or call 01223 225168