Horses die in race collision

ANIMAL WELFARE campaigners have called for meetings to be suspended at Sedgefield racecourse after the deaths of three horses yesterday in a macabre pile-up.

The fatal collision happened in the Alphameric Red Onion Novices' Chase after three horses lost their riders at the first fence. Joss Bay fell, bringing down Skane River and Sliema Creek. All three horses then ran loose in the opposite direction to the remaining 15 runners at Co Durham track.

They continued around the mile-and-a-quarter oval circuit and collided with the rest of the field near the penultimate fence. Another six horses were brought down and jockey Lorcan Wyer was catapulted 10 feet into the air from his mount, Royal Scimitar. The horse was killed instantly, as were Floss The Boss and Skane River. No jockey was seriously injured.

John Maxse, a Jockey Club spokesman, said: "The incident appears to have been an horrific and freak accident." He added: "No issue has a higher priority with the Jockey Club than the safety and welfare of horse and rider, and clearly if there are any lessons that can be learnt from this tragic accident, we will take them on board straight away."

John Robins, of Animal Concern, the welfare group that wants the Grand National abolished, said: "Any future races at Sedgefield should be cancelled until an investigation is held."

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said: "We will be making inquiries into this incident."