Sunday 13 February

A day that promised so much ended in uniquely awful scenes at Newbury yesterday. 'Tote Gold Trophy' day is a showcase meeting for Newbury, and a big crowd had turned up to the Berkshire track to see some top class action. Ogee had made the trip for his first run of the year, and we were all looking forward to a good days sport. Unfortunately it was all brought to an impromptu early close by the sad death of 2 horses in the parade ring before the first race, by what is thought to be electrocution. The spectre of two bodies covered by sheets in the parade ring remained for some time, but as they were taken away it was announced that the meeting had been abandoned. And rightly so, it was obvious that the racecourse were dealing with something that was very much out of the ordinary,the extent of which was unknown, leaving them no option. Condolences go to all the connections of the horses that were lost, we were very thankful to be coming home with Ogee on the lorry! Newbury dealt with the whole situation efficiently and proffesionally, but as we stood in front of the weighing room, we did have to wonder why the racecourse was not being evacuated - if anyone had had a shock on a building site it would have been cleard instantly! Thankfully no more misfortune befell the course and the enquiries can now begin. Ogee will either go to any rescheduled meeting at Newbury this week, or Ascot on Saturday.