Twelve horses have died at a harness racing facility following a stable fire overnight at Forbes, west of Kilmore.
Police have been told the resident of the Lancefield-Kilmore Road property heard what sounded like popping noises at about 12.30am before going outside to investigate.
The resident found the horse stables, adjacent to the family home, engulfed in flames and raised the alarm.
Several horses were able to be retrieved from the burning stables but it is believed 12 horses died in the blaze.
At this early stage, police say there’s nothing to suggest the fire is suspicious however police have set up a crime scene as a fire investigator will attend the scene today.
Harness Racing Victoria, HRV, officials will attend the property today.
The HRV support team is reaching out to the participants involved to assist.
“This is obviously a very sad time for the participants involved and for the wider industry who care deeply for their horses,” HRV chief executive Dayle Brown said.
Absolutely outrageous,,, should not have happened shame on the HRV, these sort of facilities should All, BE EQUIPED WITH ‘SPRINKLER SYSTEMS’ the amount of animal lives and some precious named animals could have been amongst them, and the VALUE$$$ alone, could be a worthwhile investment to all stable owners,,, everywhere.. SHAME SHAME !!! please read what i say over again,,, and do something about it ! we don’t want to hear of this happening again—-ever,,, and should have been front page news, i rest my case ,, chris hutchinson..
So sad!!!