Scudamore says: “We just have to hope the flu outbreak is contained.”

Scudamore heads to Ireland on Sunday for two rides with UK racing off

I first heard the news about the Equine Flu issue very late on Wednesday night. I think the BHA have handled it very well and the communication has been really good. We just have to hope that the swift action has got it contained and we will be without racing for the shortest possible time.

We’ve been given plenty of clarity too which is helpful. The last thing you want as a jockey is to be wondering day by day whether racing is going to be on or off, so the clear decision to stop racing until Wednesday, means we know where we are.

There will be more information from the BHA on Monday and we’ll just have to see what the news is then. We want racing back on as soon as possible but clearly it all needs to be handled correctly to ensure that the Equine Flu is contained.

I’m now racing on Sunday in Ireland but my Saturday will be very quiet. A lot of the yards are being tested so they don’t want you in which is quite sensible. I will be going to a couple of yards but I’ll be very conscious of changing my clothes and washing them, and washing hands etc, to keep everything as clean as possible.

Roger Brookhouse rang me up last night and said as there was no UK racing on would I fancy coming over to Punchestown to ride for him, provided it was all given the okay. It’s an absolute pleasure to be asked and I’m really looking forward to it.

Sunday – Punchestown

3.50 – Celtic Rising

He won a hurdle last year and has just had the one unsuccessful run over fences so far this season.

Hopefully he can do a bit better than last time. I haven’t ridden for Henry de Bromhead before so that will be a first.