Imagine a force as relentless and destructive as a hurricane, but without the rain—a wall of fire and wind tearing through everything in its path. This is the nightmare the Hayes family and their team at Lindsay Park faced last Friday when the Longwood bushfire ravaged their esteemed racing stable. But here's where it gets even more heartbreaking: seven horses perished, and 90% of their land was lost. Yet, in the face of such devastation, the Hayes family and their staff are putting on a brave front, vowing to rebuild. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the physical structures; it’s about the resilience of a community and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals.
Legendary trainer David Hayes rushed back from Hong Kong as the fire closed in on the property managed by his sons, Ben, Will, and J.D. In an emotional interview with SEN Track on Monday, Hayes described the harrowing experience. ‘It got very difficult,’ he said. ‘All the roads were closed. We were completely on our own.’ He vividly recalled the moment when 90 km/h winds hit at a 45-degree angle, turning the fire into a hurricane-like inferno. ‘It was horrible,’ he admitted. ‘There were moments I thought we’d lose everything. Spot fires even breached our protected area.’
Despite the odds, a well-irrigated protected zone, combined with the heroic efforts of the Country Fire Authority (CFA), staff, and the Hayes family, saved 320 out of 327 horses. One horse remains in critical condition, receiving expert veterinary care. The 115 horses in the spelling paddock were safely relocated to the Inglis Sales Complex at Oaklands Junction, and the horses in training were also secured. However, the fire claimed a pre-training barn, a house under construction, and most of the property’s fencing.
But here's where it gets controversial: While the Hayes family’s story is one of resilience, it raises questions about the preparedness of racing facilities for such disasters. Are we doing enough to protect these animals and the people who care for them? Should there be stricter regulations or better emergency protocols in place?
A video posted on Lindsay Park Racing’s Instagram on Monday captured the staff returning to work amidst the lingering smoke haze, accompanied by a defiant message: ‘Coming back together after an incredibly tough time. We are deeply grateful to our staff for their courage, care, and unwavering commitment to our horses and each other. What they showed in the face of a catastrophic fire is the very best of our industry: teamwork, resilience, and heart. This place has been changed, but it has not been broken. We will rebuild, together.’
The Longwood fire was part of a dramatic weekend for Victoria’s racing industry, as flames swept through areas near multiple racing properties. At Longwood Thoroughbred Farm, 165 horses were evacuated after trainers and their support network mobilized to save the animals and staff. Owner Michael Christian personally helped relocate the beloved sprinter Bella Nipotina. Nearby, Levena Park successfully relocated 110 horses, though paddocks and fencing were damaged. Miraculously, all horses were saved, and the main structures remained relatively intact.
And this is the part that sparks debate: As we applaud the heroism of individuals like the Hayes family and Michael Christian, should we also be holding the industry accountable for better disaster preparedness? What steps can be taken to ensure such tragedies are minimized in the future? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going—because when it comes to protecting these majestic animals and the people who care for them, every voice matters.
