Hall Of Fame trainer David Hayes has rushed back from Hong Kong to be at Lindsay Park as the family property remains under threat from bushfires.
The Longwood bushfire remains out of control and Lindsay Park has been in the direct path of the fast-moving fire and its staff are fighting spotfires around the property.
“All people and horses are safe, but it’s been a nightmare,” Hayes told Betsy.
“There have been spot fires all over the property all day, which we are fighting and continue to do so.”
“The next 12 hours are critical.”
Earlier, Will Hayes had made a statement to SEN Track about the situation at Lindsay Park.
“Last night we were hit directly – CFA are heroes,” Hayes said.
“All horses are OK. They’ve been fed, have water & all necessary veterinary treatments [have] been given.”
“Bunkering down for another scary day & thinking of everyone in the community!”
Mick Sharkie, Leneva Park’s General Manager & Bloodstock Manager, told Betsy on Friday morning how his team went from speaking to a television crew to “running for their lives”.
“All the people are safe and we got all the horses off last night,” Sharkie said, who had to remove 110 horses from Leneva Park.
“We went from being safe with film crews, being told by police and CFA that they’re safe to film on us, to people running for their lives, within minutes.”
A number of racing and breeding farms have been threatened by fire, with some believed to have suffered some damage.
Racing Victoria asked trainers to contact them late on Thursday should they be able to help evacuate horses.
“If trainers have a truck available to assist in relocating horses from affected bushfire areas if required they are asked to email equinewelfare@racingvictoria.net.au,” RV said.
“Please include location, horse capacity, truck availability & your phone number when emailing. Remember to only enter affected bushfire areas when instructed by emergency services that it’s safe to do so.”
