A bushfire at the Hayes family’s Lindsay Park property near Euroa, Victoria, on Friday resulted in the deaths of seven horses and significant property damage. The incident prompted a large-scale evacuation and drew support from emergency services and the wider racing community.
Incident Overview and Losses
The fire, part of the Longwood bushfire event, impacted the Lindsay Park operation, leading to the confirmation of seven horse fatalities by brothers Ben, Will, and JD Hayes on Sunday. The deceased horses included five spelling racehorses and two retirees. Additionally, one horse was reported to be in critical condition. Initially, the family had reported minor burns to a small number of horses. Lindsay Park confirmed that all directly affected owners have been informed of the losses.
David Hayes, a trainer and father to Ben, Will, and JD, traveled from Hong Kong to assist with the situation. He reported conditions during the incident included 90km/h winds and high temperatures, which made roads inaccessible and isolated those on the property. Staff resumed work on Monday.
Emergency Response and Evacuation Efforts
Through the combined efforts of staff, the CFA, and family members, 320 horses were successfully saved. Sophie Steel (Hayes), General Manager of Lindsay Park, stated that 128 horses were relocated from the Euroa property to the Inglis Oaklands Junction complex as part of an established fire plan. The remaining 28 retirees out of 30 on the farm were also stabled at Inglis.
Property Damage Assessment
The bushfire caused substantial damage to the property. Nearly all paddocks were burned, and some structures, including a house under construction for Ben Hayes and boundary fencing, were lost. David Hayes reported that 90 percent of their land was lost. However, Sophie Steel noted that 8% of the property, which is irrigated and includes key infrastructure and tracks, remained intact. The main stables and operational areas were reported to be undamaged.
Community and Industry Support
Lindsay Park expressed gratitude to the CFA and emergency services for their assistance, as well as to their staff for their commitment during the crisis. The wider racing community also provided support, with competitors assisting in evacuating horses and Inglis accommodating the relocated animals. Racing Victoria issued a statement conveying support to the owners, the Hayes family, and the Lindsay Park team, acknowledging the efforts of emergency services.
Operational Impact
Due to significant property damage and ongoing conditions, a return to regular operations at Lindsay Park is not immediately possible. Sophie Steel affirmed that the safety of horses and staff remains the priority. Horses are currently safe, fed, and watered, though it is not yet considered safe for staff to return to the farm for normal work. Operations are expected to resume when conditions allow.