Lindsay Park assessing bushfire impact

Lindsay Park has endured a second major bushfire impact in the space of 12 years with the Hayes family confirming that the Longwood fire had destroyed buildings, burned out paddocks and prompted a mass evacuation of horses.

The fire had first impacted the farm on Wednesday and Thursday but it was later on Friday when a catastrophic change of conditions led to the situation escalating.

While the Hayes family, including David Hayes, who flew back to Hong Kong on Friday to assist, are still assessing the damage to the farm at Creightons Creek, the statement confirmed that “all horses in work and stabled in the barns are in good condition and 100% safe.”

A small number of horses in spelling paddocks sustained minor burns as the fire raced through, but all are expected to recover, while 115 spelling horses have been relocated to Inglis’ complex at Oaklands Junction.

’”Our immediate priority has been, and remains, ensuring the safety and welfare of our people and our horses,’’ the statement said.

‘’Conditions changed to catastrophic very fast on Friday and while we were as prepared as we possibly could be and followed all advice from authorities and experts, the fire’s impact was unavoidable.”

‘’The family remained on site to defend the horses for as long as we could, leaving only when conditions escalated to a point where lives were at risk. The good news is that we have come through well given the circumstances.’’

Several of Lindsay Park’s live-on staff have been accommodated at the Benalla Racing Club until it is safe to return.

‘’The main stables and operational areas, as well as all our tracks, are unaffected and we are aiming to return to business as usual as soon as possible, potentially even tomorrow if the situation allows,” the Hayes said.

‘’We want to sincerely thank the CFA and emergency services, our extraordinary staff, the Benalla Racing Club for hosting our staff, Inglis for stepping in immediately this morning, and the many industry colleagues and friends who are assisting right now with the relocation and care of our horses.

‘’The support has been nothing short of remarkable. Our hearts go out to everyone in our community who has been affected by this horrific event. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.’’

The fire impacted several thoroughbred properties over the past two days, including Longwood Thoroughbred Farm and Leneva Park’s pre-training centre. Horses were safely evacuated from both farms. It has been reported that Leneva Park had substantial damages to fences, but buildings on the property reamined intact.

Neville Murdoch’s Larneuk Farm was also hit by the fires but reported on Saturday that all horses were safe, despite damages to fencing. Blue Gum Farm remains on alert and has relocated 300 horses over the past three days.

It was confirmed on Friday that Magic Millions’ Victorian bloodstock manager Tim Brown had lost his property, which is close to Lindsay Park.