BHA happy to take time for results into deaths

Fenix Two and Marching Song were about to be mounted by their jockeys on the grass on the far side of the paddock before the first race when they fell to the ground and died.

Two other horses, Kid Cassidy and The Merry Giant, were also affected, but have since recovered.

Although that race went ahead, the rest of the meeting, featuring the totesport Trophy, was abandoned on health and safety grounds. Speculation has been rife since the horrific events that the horses may have suffered from some form of electric shock.

Thorough investigations have been carried out since by all parties concerned, and a section of electricity cable was removed from the paddock area by Southern Electric.

Paul Struthers, head of communications for the British Horseracing Authority, said: “We can confirm that we will not be in a position to announce the results of the post-mortem examinations.

“Our investigation, which is running in tandem with the investigation being undertaken by Newbury Racecourse and Southern Electric Power Distribution, has a number of other aspects.

“It is therefore only right and proper that we do not make any announcement until we have received and thoroughly reviewed the results from the post-mortem and other analysis.”

Discussions are also still ongoing as to whether the fixture will be rescheduled.

“With regards to the possible rescheduling of the meeting, we have been in discussions with all relevant parties and will make an announcement as soon as we are able,” Struthers added.

“As the independent regulator of the sport, the safety and welfare of the horse is paramount – as it is for Newbury racecourse and for all of those who work in, and follow, racing.

“We must therefore ensure that, ahead of the meeting, we are satisfied from the post-mortem and our other analysis, and from Newbury racecourse, that there are no outstanding issues.”

n Pride of Dulcote is among 11 entries for the Betfair Chase at Ascot on Saturday after being rerouted from Ireland.

Trainer Paul Nicholls indicated the lightly-raced eight-year-old would go to Berkshire after the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown was delayed by six days because of the weather.

Nicky Henderson has had similar thoughts regarding King George VI Chase runner-up Riverside Theatre and French Opera, who should both have been in action at Newbury at the weekend.

Ferdy Murphy has entered John Smith’s Grand National hope Big Fella Thanks, while Tom George has put in Tartak, who is on a hat-trick after wins at Newbury and Cheltenham.

Evans Williams has had this race in mind for Deep Purple for some time, with Scotsirish from the Willie Mullins stable the sole Irish entry.

n Last year’s winner Silver By Nature and Madison Du Berlais are on joint-top weight following the last acceptance stage for the totesport.com Grand National Trial at Haydock on Saturday.

There will be a big hike in the weights after a total of 17 horses stood their ground for the three-and-a-half-mile handicap chase on Merseyside.

Silver By Nature won by 15 lengths last season but has yet to repeat that performance this term. His trainer Lucinda Russell also has Etxalar, but Madison Du Berlais is trainer David Pipe’s sole representative.

Richard Lee will be hoping Le Beau Bai can improve on his third in this race in 2010, while trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies has three possibles in Ballyfitz, Major Malarkey and Jaunty Journey.

Alan King’s West End Rocker is likely to be a strong fancy following his win in the Classic Chase at Warwick last month.