LOCAL jockeys and horse trainers have been hit because of the ban on horse racing across the country.

Blackburn jockey Carl Lowther, who is currently on honeymoon in the Canaries, will return on Sunday to find out about the ban.

He has ridden horses for Preston trainer Eric Alston who fully supports the ban.

He said: "It's the farmers who are suffering. We have our own gallops at Longton and, fortunately, no staff will be laid off, as they are not from farming backgrounds.

"There is one lad who has hens, but that does not affect the situation. We are taking all the precautions, doing our bit."

Mr Alston is awaiting the arrival of two horses at his stables at Edges Farm, but said that has had to be put on hold.

He wife, Susan, said: "If it helps stop the foot and mouth outbreak then anything we can do in the racing world will be done.

"Horses do spread the disease, but no more so than humans. Hopefully the worst will be over before the Cheltenham Festival and the Aintree Grand National meetings arrive. It will be a tragedy to lose them."