Racehorse trainers in Oxfordshire have backed the decision to suspend racing for a week due to the foot and mouth crisis.

Wantage trainer David Gandolfo said: "I think it is exactly right because basically I have the utmost confidence in the Ministry of Agriculture vets and the Jockey Club vet Dr Peter Webbon.

"I think that by stopping for a week it will allow them to take a measured look and, at the end of that time, whatever they come up with will be the right decision.

"They are already erring towards caution, but what we need is reasoned reaction rather than knee-jerk reaction.

"I am sure this week's cooling off period will allow them to take a hard look at things and come up with the right decision - whatever that may be."

Gandolfo, who plans to run Bright November and Rainbows Aglitter at the Cheltenham Festival, felt he wasn't qualified to speculate on whether the Festival would get the go ahead.

He added: "I think that is for the vets to come up with. I am sure if there is any risk it will be longer than a week and if that is the way, that is the way it is.

"Obviously the country's livestock industry has to take precedence over everything else.

"Of course it is costly for us and it is an inconvenience, but is a small price to pay."

And he added that the Cheltenham Festival shouldn't be the major consideration as far as restarting the sport.

He said: "We have to take the industry as a whole including the all-weather racing.

"Of course, Cheltenham is important - it is supremely important - but it is a scientific and veterinary decision to which Cheltenham should not be a factor."

Mark Bradstock, who trains at Letcombe Bassett near Wantage, said: "I am not surprised. I just think we had to, didn't we? It's as simple as that.

"It is a great shame, but it is like turning round to me and asking me how I would like to have all the horses here put down like the farmers are having cattle put down. I would be absolutely devastated.

"I think the whole country has to feel incredibly sorry for them and do as much as we can to prevent other farmers being in the same situation.

"I think it had to happen and now we will have to sit tight and hope everyone can control it because it is escalating at the moment."

Bradstock, who has Prince Madoc lined up for the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle at the Festival, voiced doubts as to whether Cheltenham would go ahead as planned.

He said: "I think it depends on how rife it is. If more cases turn up, it is going to drag on, and I would not think Cheltenham has a prayer."