It looks like Gun Runner is a no go for The Pegasus World Cup.
The connections had made arrangements to get War Envoy’s slot, but it seems that has become a moot point. I am sure Gulfstream would love to have Gun Runner in the field, but it is just one of those things that didn’t work out.
I really see both sides of this story. In order for the horse to start in The Pegasus he would have to meet certain testing requirements to rule out his having or carrying equine herpesvirus. Gun Runner has been wintering at the Fair Grounds where an outbreak has occurred. One of those requirements in a nasal swab which the connections of Gun Runner refused.
Gulfstream has to protect their horse population, as well as the integrity of the race. They have no room, and are doing the right thing. Gun Runner’s connections have refused the swab, citing advice of their veterinarian. They claim the swab has a 10-15% false positive rate, and should Gun Runner get a false positive, the ramifications would extend beyond his just missing The Pegasus. He’d be subject to quarantine at the Fair Grounds, where the horses quarantined are standing on concrete for at least 30 days.
They do not want to take a chance with their horse, and frankly I don’t blame them with this horse or any other. The Fair Grounds should have better quarantine accommodations, or should have installed some immediately the the problem surfaced. I don’t think anyone in the organization would want to stand on concrete for 30 days.
