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Danedream set to miss the Arc

Danedream (right) pictured on her way to victory at Ascot in JulyDanedream (right) pictured on her way to victory at Ascot in July
© Healy Racing Photos

Danedream's bid for back-to-back wins in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Sunday appears to be over after Cologne racecourse, where she is stabled, was dramatically placed into quarantine on Monday afternoon.

The German track has been shut down for three months after a horse tested positive for an equine infection of the blood.

All horses based at Cologne cannot leave the racecourse, including the Peter Schiergen-trained Danedream, a brilliant winner of the Longchamp feature 12 months ago.

Colonge racecourse general manager Benedikt Fassbender told Press Association Sport: "It's a nightmare.

"We are the biggest training centre in Germany and one horse has tested positive for equine infectious anaemia (EIA).

"For three months we are now in quarantine - no horses can come in to the track, and no horses can come out.

"It is a disaster, especially as Danedream cannot take part in the Arc at the orders of the special vets.

"Danedream has not been infected by the disease, but every horse will be tested for the infection in the next few days."