The first Sydney horse races open to the public, since an outbreak of equine influenza stopped horse movements in New South Wales, was to take place today at Rosehill Gardens near Parramatta in Sydney's west.

The Rosehill races were abandoned after it was discovered two thoroughbreds at Warwick Farm were suffering from equine influenza. There had previously been no reported outbreak there.

A fortnight ago, on September 8, racing had been allowed at Warwick Farm racecourse in southwest Sydney but only horses stabled at Warwick Farm were allowed to compete and the racecourse was closed to the public. Racegoers were allowed into Canterbury racecourse where the Warwick Farm races were beamed via television.

Only horses stabled in Rosehill and Warwick Farm, where equine influenza had not been found to have infected any of their horses, were to be allowed to race today at Rosehill.

The cancellation of today's Rosehill races brings into doubt the future of horse racing in New South Wales.

Sydney's Royal Randwick racecourse remains closed and its horses quarantined because of the equine influenza outbreak there.

Earlier stories:

• So Are They Racing in Sydney?
• Nothing's Going to Stop the Melbourne Cup
• New South Wales Horse Races Suspended Indefinitely

Photo: A past horse racing event at Rosehill Gardens © Tourism New South Wales