22nd June 2006
Tragedy due to Stable Fire
Successful racehorse, Favourite Trick, which won the 1997 Horse of the Year as a 2 year old was perished in a stable fire on the 6th June, 2006. Favourite Trick was undefeated as a 2 year old and became the first 2 year old since Secretariat to win Horse of the Year honours. He earned more than $1.7 million (US).
Also perishing in this tragic fire was the successful colt, Saratoga Six who had been retired after being undefeated as a 2 year old with winnings of $304, 940.
Other horses that lost their lives in the fire include Fredricksburg, last years Quarter Horse Racing Champion Aged Stallion, The Down Side, winner of the 2003 Champion of Champions G1, Southern Cartel, a grade two stakes winner, and 12 year old Gone Hollywood.
The horses, which were being used for breeding, had combined earnings of more that $3 million during their careers.
This is certainly not the first time the racing industry has suffered severe loss due to fire.
Closer to home, Tulloch Lodge had a severe fire in the early 1990’s. A great deal of damage was sustained to the stables and loft areas. However, stable employees were able to remove all horses before any were injured. This fire occurred in the very early hours of the morning when staff were starting work.
Despite man’s best laid plans – fire still has the power to humble us. Mary Simon
With thanks to http://www.breedersexchange.com.au/ & http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/