Kidd Cassidy (image by Wikipedia)
Racing at Newbury, UK was cancelled today 12th February 2011 following the tragic deaths of two racehorses Marching Song and Fenix Two. Investigators believe the deaths to have been caused by electrocution. A third horse Kidd Cassidy collapsed but managed to get himself onto the rubber surface. Vets checked him over and declared that he was well, he is very lucky to be alive.
The incident occurred in the west area of the parade ring prior to the first race. Jockeys were getting prepared to mount before taking up their starting positions. The owner of Fenix Two said that the hose reared up and appeared to be rooted to the spot. The person leading Marching song said that she felt a tingling just before the horse collapsed. The racehorse died within seconds.
Newbury bosses were keen to continue the first race as scheduled but Kidd Cassidy was pulled out and then the rest of the day’s racing was cancelled on health and safety grounds. Other horses were said to be suffering from burns, competitor Merry Giant was badly traumatized and several other horses were distressed.
The police and Southern Electricity board were informed, samples from the horses involved were taken and CCTV of the stables and parade ring examined. Trainer Keith Goldsworthy is said to have reported flickering lighting in the grandstand to a steward around 1pm.
There is some speculation that the catastrophe happened as a result of electric cable damage beneath the ring. Contractors had been aerating the grass in the week leading up to the races. The grass was damp and an electric current would have been able to pass up through the racehorses via there metal shoes. It would explain the reported burn marks around their mouths and other areas where the tack had been.
The case continues…
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