Life is beginning to look a bit more normal for Woodend’s harness racing community, after this week’s huge blaze.
Upwards of 100 horses had to be quickly moved away from the area on Wednesday night after fire got to within 100 metres of some stables.
The fire, believe to have been started by fireworks, tore through more than 200 hectares, forcing the evcuation of 130 local residents.
It has been since been contained though fire fighters are still on the scene.
“It’s been a huge effort from everyone,” says trainer Robert Dunn who’s stables at Woodend were right at the heart of Wednesday night’s drama.
Around 50 horses from their stables as well as others from other local trainers including Greg and Nina Hope, Matt Purvis and Gavin Smith were all taken away as the six metre flames threatened their properties.
“It was super really, the staff, people helping out – everyone just got involved.”
After being dotted all over the place Dunn says his horses are now all back as he prepares the team for Cup and Show Week.
“If the beach can’t be used we will go to Spencer Park – it was where I used to train Master (Master Musician) on.”
Spencer Park is south of Woodend, and was not affected by Wednesday’s fires.
“We will taking some of them that need it like Sunny (Sundees Son) and Mataderos.”
Mataderos will line up in the Worthy Queen on Tuesday while two time champion Sundees Son is a $3 co-favourite with arch rival Bolt For Brilliance in Friday’s Renwick Farms Dominion trot.
After a week which was stressful (and could have been a lot worse) the hope now is that everything can get back to normal, ahead of harness racing’s showpiece which is now only days away.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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