Horses return to Blue Gum Farm after Longwood bushfire disaster

*Horses have been returned to Blue Gum Farm’s Euroa property following the devastation of bushfires in Victoria’s northeast region. (Photo Chris Putnam/Future Publishing via Getty Images)*

Victoria’s Blue Gum Farm, which was spared from the devastating Longwood bushfires, is returning horses to its Euroa property a week after the deadly blaze began sweeping across the region.

The leading breeding operation has not been directly affected by the bushfires, which caused catastrophic damage to the nearby private training facility Lindsay Park, but Blue Gum Farm took no chances.

Horses were relocated, including to trainer Troy Corstens’ farm at Lurg near Benalla, while Blue Gum Farm remained in danger.

“The strength and resilience shown by our local and equine community has been both humbling and inspiring,” Blue Gum Farm said in a statement.

“Although the Longwood bushfire is still classified as out of control and may continue to burn for some time, the CFA has been able to maintain the containment line in our area.

“We are relieved and grateful to share that it is safe to start bringing our beloved horses back to Blue Gum Farm.

“Their well-being has always been our highest priority, and we sincerely thank those who assisted with evacuation, transport, and care during the time of fire danger.”

Michael Christian’s Longwood Thoroughbred Farm and the neighbouring Leneva Park pre-training property suffered significant damage in the blaze.

The majority of horses were moved from both farms as the fires raged out of control in the area, with all their horses reportedly surviving without incident.

However, the Hayes family’s Lindsay Park was not so lucky, with 90 per cent of its Creightons Creek farm severely damaged when a wind change saw the bushfire rip through the purpose-built property.

Five spelling racehorses and two retirees died as a result of their injuries.

Lindsay Park, which moved horses on Saturday to Inglis’ Oaklands Junction sales complex, will relocate its spelling racehorses to the former Dorrington Farm near Nagambie.

The Longwood bushfire has burned more than 130,000 hectares and statewide the blazes have burnt more than 400,000 hectares.