There will be no horse racing in Britain until at least Wednesday next week amid fears over equine flu.

It comes after three cases of equine influenza were discovered, affecting "vaccinated horses in an active racing yard".

Racing was initially cancelled for today following the discovery, but that's now been extended over the weekend and until Wednesday 'at the earliest'.

The British Horseracing Authority today said no further positive tests have been received, but at least three more days are needed before a decision to resume events can be made.

It made the decision after contacting more than 50 trainers and vets in order to make "an informed assessment of the risk of equine influenza spreading".

The organisation explained: "The disease can take up to three days before symptoms are visible, meaning it will take until Sunday at the earliest before the BHA can gather all the information required. 

"This precautionary approach is intended to ensure we put the health of the horse population and control of the virus first, and avoid any unnecessary risk that might come from returning to racing too quickly."

It adds: "We appreciate the impact that this may have on the sport commercially, but disease control in order to mitigate the risk of further disruption to the sport – and safeguard the health and welfare of our horses – must be a priority."

Officials will meet again on Monday to decide on whether racing can resume on Wednesday.

It comes just over a month before the start of the Cheltenham Festival, the most high-profile annual horse racing event in the UK.

Racing authorities in Ireland confirmed events will continue for now in both the Republic and Northern Ireland.

However, horses from Britain will not be permitted to race in Ireland until further notice.

Authorities added that the situation is being closely monitored.