Tests confirm horses were electrocuted

Post-mortem results confirm accidental electrocution killed two horses at Newbury Racecourse on Saturday

TWO horses that tragically died amid terrible scenes at Newbury Racecourse on Saturday were accidentally electrocuted, post mortem tests have confirmed today (Thursday).

An incident in the parade ring prior to the novice hurdle race on February 12 led to the two horses, Marching Song, trained by Andy Turnell and Fenix Two, trained by Jonjo O'Neill, rearing up before they both collapsed and died.

An electrical cable was later removed from the parade ring, as rumour spread that it had possibly caused the tragedy which left jockeys, trainers, spectators, and other horses, badly shaken.

An immediate investigation was launched by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), and this morning the first stage of their findings have been revealed.

Professor Tim Morris, Director of Equine Science and Welfare for the BHA, confirmed that both horses had died of sudden cardiac arrest.

“The Authority has been officially informed that there was leakage of electricity from a cable under the parade ring in the area where the incident occurred,” he said.

“There was immediate veterinary attention, and our enquiry on the day noted the racecourse veterinary surgeons felt a tingling sensation when examining the horses, and that the veterinary surgeons noted particular clinical signs such as muscle contractions.

“Samples taken from the horses affected have shown no evidence of substances that could have caused this incident. These findings are all consistent with the cause of death being accidental electrocution and at this stage we are not investigating any other cause of death.

“I can also confirm that, contrary to speculation, no evidence of any burn marks around the mouth was found on post mortem examination, neither were such marks found by the veterinary surgeons on the horses at the start.”

Newbury Racecourse has removed and disconnected the offending cable, and satisfied the BHA that the parade ring area is now safe for use by horses and humans.

The BHA said its investigations are consistent with the view that an electrical discharge in the area of the cable was the cause of death.

Following extensive tests, Southern Electric Power Distribution has also confirmed that the electricity cables within the area where horses have access are operating normally and within required safety standards.

The Authority said it will continue further investigations, and its findings and conclusions will be published at a later date.

The rescheduled Totesport Trophy Hurdle Meeting has been officially cleared to take place tomorrow (Friday), following the results of the post-mortem.

Stephen Higgins, joint managing director of Newbury Racecourse, offered his condolences to those affected by the incident.

“The investigation by Southern Electric Power Distribution continues, to establish the cause of the electrical leakage. I would like to stress again that Southern Electric has confirmed that there was no danger to the public on Saturday,” he said.

“Further to the BHA's statement, we are pleased that racing has been authorised for tomorrow.”