Newbury reschedules meeting following horse deaths

by Adam D Tue 15 Feb 2011, 7:05 am

Newbury racecourse has rescheduled its Saturday meeting, which was abandoned following the deaths of two horses, for Friday, February 18.

An investigation was launched after Fenix Two and Marching Song died in the paddock, with trainers suggesting they had been electrocuted.

A section of electricity cable was dug up and removed from the Berkshire track's paddock on Sunday.

Friday's card is subject to approval by the British Horseracing Authority.

The results of post-mortems on the two horses are expected on Tuesday.

However, trainer Nicky Henderson, who had horses running at Newbury on Saturday, told BBC Radio 5 live: "What we all speculated and what seemed the most likely answer [electrocution] has turned out to be the case."

It has been reported that drainage work at the course may have disturbed an underground cable.

Paul Struthers, head of communications for the BHA, said on Monday: "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-mortems and other analysis."

full story and source - bbc website - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/horse_racing/9396568.stm