Paul Struthers, Head of Communications for the Authority, said:

“Post-mortem analysis of a horse and associated samples takes a certain amount of time and this work is proceeding as a matter of urgency.

“Forensic laboratory tests are proceeding with a similar urgency and we expect to know the initial results no later than Thursday. Only once we have these results will we be able to make a more detailed statement.”

The Authority will be making no further comment on the post-mortem or other analysis today. If these results are not available tomorrow a further update will be issued.