Fire ripped through the on-course stabling complex at the Leeton Paceway in the early hours of this morning with at least five standardbreds losing their lives and police investigations are underway.
Emergency services were called to the racecourse on Racecourse Road, Leeton, shortly after 4am (Tuesday 21 August 2012), and found the complex well alight.
The blaze was extinguished; however, a block of stables was destroyed.
Police from Griffith Local Area Command have established a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire and have stated that it is too early to determine whether the fire was deliberately lit.
A NSW Fire Brigade spokesman said fire-fighters managed to release five horses but at least five had been killed.
"It's unknown at this stage how many horses perished in the fire," the spokesman said.
Trainer Phil Maguire has lost three horses in the blaze along with, horse feed, sulkies and all training equipment. Local trainer John Kefford has lost two horses in the fire.
Harness Racing NSW is closely monitoring the situation and is offering support where possible.
It’s just a tragic set of circumstances and I feel incredibly sorry for those affected,” said HRNSW CEO Sam Nati.
“HRNSW will do whatever we can in the short and longer term to provide some relief and assistance. We have sent our Head Steward in the Riverina, Anthony Pearce, to the scene this morning and our Integrity Manager, Reid Sanders, will coordinate from Sydney.”
Investigators are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the events leading up to the fire to contact Griffith Police or Crime Stoppers.
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 31 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
Name: Dale Walker
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Email: dwalker@hrnsw.com.au
