Post mortem tests on 'electrocuted' horses continue

Racecourse chiefs in discussions over re-scheduling ill-fated meeting

TESTS are still being conducted on the bodies of two horses believed to have been electrocuted at Newbury Racecourse on Saturday.

An announcement is also expected today (Tuesday) as to whether Saturday's card, abandoned after the first race, can be rescheduled.

Fenix Two and Marching Song both died in the drama.

Lambourn trainer Nicky Henderson's horse, Kid Cassidy, was withdrawn at the start.

British Horseracing Authority spokesman, Paul Struthers, said: “We can confirm that we will not be in a position to announce the results of the post-mortem examinations today. Our investigation, which is running in tandem with the investigation being undertaken by Newbury Racecourse and Southern Electric Power Distribution, has a number of other aspects.

“It is therefore only right and proper that we do not make any announcement until we have received and thoroughly reviewed the results from the post-mortem and other analysis.”

He added: “With regards to the possible rescheduling of the meeting, we have been in discussions with all relevant parties and will make an announcement as soon as we are able. As the independent regulator of the sport, the safety and welfare of the horse is paramount, as it is for Newbury Racecourse and for all of those who work in and follow racing. We must therefore ensure that, ahead of the meeting, we are satisfied from the post-mortem and our other analysis, and from Newbury Racecourse, that there are no outstanding issues.”

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