BHA launch probe after ‘extremely rare and dreadful’ Newton Abbot horse deaths

THE British Horseracing Authority has launched an investigation after an ‘extremely rare and dreadful’ day’s racing at Newton Abbot.

Four horses sadly died during racing at the Devonshire track on Tuesday.

A statement issued by the sport’s governing body confirmed a report on the condition of the surface will also be compiled to ‘ascertain whether there are any concerns’ regarding the ground.

The BHA statement read: “Our thoughts are with everyone connected to the horses who suffered fatal injuries yesterday.

“The loss of any horse is always a dreadful occurrence for the owners, trainers and stable staff who provide them with outstanding care and attention throughout their lives, and so a day like yesterday is one that deeply saddens all of us who love the sport.

“Losing four horses at a single fixture is extremely rare but this does not reduce the seriousness with which the BHA takes this matter.

“All four deaths will be thoroughly investigated to understand as best as possible how they occurred and a report will also be compiled on the condition of the course, which is being assessed in order to ascertain whether there are any concerns regarding the racing surface.”

Happy Helen, a three-year-old filly trained by David Pipe, suffered a fatal injury in a maiden hurdle at 2.30pm.

While Hallowed Rose, a seven-year-old mare trained by Stuart Kittow, fell at the sixth in a novices’ handicap hurdle an hour and a half later – the same race in which Joe Tizzard’s six-year-old gelding Bala Brook also died.

Nine-year-old gelding Cuzzicombe, trained by Polly Gundry, was sent off 50-1 for a novices’ hurdle over 2m5½f before losing his action.

Another race that made for uncomfortable viewing was a handicap chase over 2m5f at 3.30.

Some six horses – almost half the field – were pulled up on ground officially described as good.