Old electric cable likely culprit in horse deaths

Other causes must still be ruled out, say racecourses bosses

LAMBOURN trainer Nicky Henderson said today (Sunday) he was satisfied with the way Newbury Racecourse was responding to yesterday's tragedy in which two horses died.

After attending crisis meetings with course chiefs last night he confirmed that an electrical cable was the prime suspect.

Meanwhile the racecourse issued a new statement outlining the remit of the investigation.

The incident happened in the parade ring prior to the race when the horses - Marching Song, trained by Andy Turnell and Fenix Two trained by Jonjo O'Neill - are said to have reared up before collapsing and dying.

Witnesses said Lambourn jockey Tony McCoy had led his horse, Kid Cassidy, from the traps, only for the horse to be ‘spooked' by something and that other horses appeared jittery for no apparent reason.

Mr Henderson quickly withdrew his runner but the novice hurdle race went ahead more than 20 minutes late.

He said today: “I'm satisfied with the talks I've had. It seems pretty conclusive that electrocution was to blame.

“They've found an old cable which was thought to have been dead but obviously was not.”

Racecourse management said in a statement yesterday evening: “A full Stewards Enquiry was held at Newbury Racecourse following the incident prior to Race 1 when two horses collapsed and died in the parade ring. The horses were Fenix Two trained by Jonjo O'Neill and Marching Song trained by Andy Turnell.”

Racecourse joint danaging Director Stephen Higgins said: “Having suffered two unexplained equine fatalities in the parade ring, for equine and human safety reasons, we took the decision to abandon racing today until the cause could be established. We have now launched a full investigation into today's events.

“There is speculation that electricity may have been involved, which the Southern Electricity Board, will be investigating. Newbury Racecourse extends its condolences to the connections of Fenix Two and Marching Song.”

Director of Equine Science and Welfare for the British Horseracing Authority, Professor Tim Morris, said: “Following the tragic events at Newbury today, our sympathies go out to connections of the two horses that died, Fenix Two and Marching Song.

“We have launched a full investigation into the events before the first race. Whilst there are suspicions that an electrical fault was the cause and this is being looked into by the racecourse and relevant authorities, it is important that we investigate other possible causes.”

He added: "Both horses have been sent for post mortem examinations and samples from both horses, and from the other two horses involved in the incident, have been taken and will be analysed.

“We will also be testing a sample of the water supply and have secured and will review all of the CCTV footage from the racecourse stables and footage from the parade ring itself at the time.

“We have gathered evidence and statements at the racecourse from the connections involved with the incident, including trainers, jockeys, stable staff and owners, the racecourse and BHA veterinary officers, and the racecourse executive including the health and safety officer.”

Racegoers who attended yesterday's raceday are entitled to a refund on tickets. Customers who bought hospitality or restaurant packages should call the racecourse on 01635 40015.