In a heartbreaking turn of events, a devastating bushfire has claimed the lives of seven thoroughbreds at the renowned Lindsay Park estate, owned by the Hayes family, located in Euroa. This tragic incident not only marks a significant loss for the family but also for the larger community that has been affected by this relentless blaze.
On Sunday, the co-trainers of Lindsay Park—Ben, Will, and JD Hayes—released a heartfelt statement expressing their condolences to all the horse owners impacted by the fire, which continues to rage in Central Victoria. This situation is indeed dire, and it has left many wondering about the broader implications of such natural disasters on our beloved equine companions.
"After conducting a thorough assessment and ensuring the safety of all horses on the property, we can confirm that seven horses have sadly succumbed to injuries from the fire," the statement detailed. This unfortunate loss includes five racehorses that were in training and two retired horses. Additionally, there is one more horse that remains in a critical condition, currently receiving urgent veterinary attention.
The Hayes family has made sure that all owners directly affected by this tragedy have been duly informed of the situation. In a show of solidarity and support, David Hayes, the patriarch of the family, flew back from his training base in Hong Kong, where he trains the exceptional sprinter Ka Ying Rising, who recently triumphed in The Everest. David's return was pivotal as he joined his sons in the fight against the encroaching flames.
The fire swept through Lindsay Park late Friday, wreaking havoc by destroying paddocks, fences, and various structures, including a barn and an unfinished house that Ben Hayes was set to move into. "We took every conceivable step to safeguard our horses and property amid extremely challenging and swiftly evolving circumstances," the Hayes family noted. Their unwavering priority was the safety of both the horses and the people involved.
In response to this crisis, Lindsay Park has successfully relocated 128 thoroughbreds to the Inglis sales complex, which has been instrumental in assisting other trainers and thoroughbred farms with placing horses during this tumultuous time.
This incident raises critical questions about the preparation and response strategies in place for animal welfare during natural disasters. What more could be done to protect these valuable animals? How do we ensure their safety in the face of such uncontrollable forces? These are discussions worth having, and we invite you to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments.
