Kempton Racecourse

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By Billy Blakeman ValueChecker

Horses Killed at Newbury Probably Electrocuted
13/02/11

Tragedy struck Newbury racecourse on Saturday in unprecedented circumstances when two horses collapsed and died under freak circumstances in the paddock prior to the first race being run.

Fenix Two and Marching Song, trained by Jonjo O’Neil and Andy Turnell respectively, appeared to suffer some kind of shock in the parade ring before collapsing and dying. One of the market leaders, Kid Cassidy, also appeared to be affected and was withdrawn.

Speculation from the connections of the stricken horses was that they may have suffered from some form of electric shock. Part-owner Graham Thorner told reporters that the lads and the farrier were saying that they received a mild electric shock when removing the tack from the stricken Marching Song.

It is believed that a number of the runners that took part in the race may also have been affected by the stimulus to a lesser degree.

Given the circumstances and the lack of an immediate explanation, course officials had little option than to abandon the meeting and clear the course.

Newbury's joint managing director Stephen Higgins said: "Ultimtely we are guessing, but at the end of the day horses are very important but people are more important and we didn't want them accessing the area in question until we know what the issue is. We still don't know what happened, and when we do we will let everybody know. It is the racecourse's decision (to abandon) and we take responsibility for what happens on the racecourse."

The Southern Electricity Board later arrived to carry out a thorough investigation of the paddock area and confimed later on that a cable had been located running underneath the paddock, although further investigation will take place to identify if this was linked to the incident.

A black cloud descended over racing for the afternoon but the British Horseracing Authority are likely to meet on Monday to decide whether the big races, including the totesport Trophy Hurdle and Aon Chase, can be rescheduled at short notice.

Racing carries on as always and the best bet on Sunday could be Marleybow in the 4.00 Hereford. Richard Lee has hit top form and this relatively new recruit to the yard looks just the type to be rejuvenated. Has shown a break to be beneficial in the past and so the 3-month absence is not a concern. Down in grade and in the weights so likely to go well at a price.

On the same card, Prize Fighter could well be a player an hour later in the handicap hurdle. Inconsistent but well weighted on his best form and although there are a couple who could be unexposed in the field, he could be the value. At Exeter, Down The Stretch could make them all go in the 4.10. Lightly-raced in recent years but his small yard are adept at having them fit after a break and he is expected to go out and try to make all. Currently 25/1 and that has to be a touch of value.

Recommendations: Hereford 4.00 - Marleybow, 5.00 Prize Fighter ; Exeter 4.10 - Down The Stretch