Australia's equine flu outbreak spread to the thoroughbred industry when a horse tested positive at Sydney's Randwick racetrack.

Australian authorities cancelled thoroughbred racing in a second state today as the nation's first outbreak of equine flu spread.

British racing's misfortune to be closed down due to equine flu is turning into Irish racing's opportunity this weekend.

Last autumn an outbreak of equine flu hit Australia, bringing its racing and breeding industries to a standstill for several weeks.

The equine flu outbreak forced a national three-day cessation of racing last Thursday and a national ban on horse movements until Friday.

Irish racing's chief veterinary officer has said the sport in Ireland is currently at no more threat of equine flu than it was yesterday.

More than 700 horses were confined to stables today, and all racing in Australia has been cancelled since equine flu was detected last week.