Accidental electrocution blamed for Newbury deaths

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.

Professor Tim Morris, director of equine science and welfare for the BHA, said: "The authority has been officially informed that there was a leakage of electricity from a cable under the parade ring in the area where the incident occurred.

"There was immediate veterinary attention, and our inquiry on the day noted the racecourse veterinary surgeons felt a tingling sensation when examining the horses, and that the veterinary surgeons noted particular clinical signs such as muscle contractions.

"Both horses that died, Marching Song and Fenix Two, have undergone post-mortem examinations which showed sudden cardiac arrest as the cause of death."