Newbury horse racing deaths blamed on electrocution

An investigation has been launched after two horses died in the paddock at Newbury amid fears they were electrocuted by underground cabling.

Fenix Two and Marching Song were due to feature in the day's opening race but collapsed. Another horse, Kid Cassidy, was withdrawn after stumbling.

The Merry Giant was affected but took part in the race, finishing last and said to be "badly traumatised".

Seven horses made it to the start but the last six races were abandoned.

Marching Song's trainer Andy Turnell said: "He went straight down. It looks like they've been electrocuted."

So bad to hear something like this, terrible news.

Source and more on the story at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/horse_racing/9395743.stm

It was horrible to watch and condolenses to all parties involved.

Looks like it has all been confirmed.

Findings from the investigation into the tragic incident at Newbury last Saturday have confirmed accidental electrocution was to blame for the deaths of two horses in the paddock.

The Berkshire track has been officially cleared by the British Horseracing Authority to hold the rescheduled totesport Trophy Hurdle meeting on Friday after the meeting was abandoned following the first race at the weekend.

Two horses, Fenix Two and Marching Song, were about to be mounted by their jockeys on the grass in the parade ring when they suddenly collapsed. The decision from the BHA follows the receipt of post-mortem reports and the results of sampling and information from the racecourse and Southern Electric Power Distribution.

Newbury have assured the BHA the parade ring area is now safe for use by horses and humans and that a cable previously located within the parade ring area has been removed and disconnected. Southern Electric has also confirmed they are satisfied electricity cables within the racecourse are operating normally and within required safety standards at the time of testing.

Full Story : BritishHorseRacing.com - Click Here

Thanks David

I'm always grateful when anyone posts racing news on here..........I don't have much time for browsing the racing websites.

It will take the staff at Newbury Racecourse a long time to recover from the horrors of last Saturday........I hope they have a good meeting tomorrow.

Solerina