Imagine a force as relentless 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 faced as they battled to save their beloved Lindsay Park racing stable from the devastating Longwood bushfire. But here's where it gets even more heart-wrenching: despite their heroic efforts, seven horses perished, and 90% of their land was lost. Yet, in the face of such tragedy, the Hayes family and their staff are standing tall, vowing to rebuild what was taken from them.
On Monday, the team at Lindsay Park returned to work, their spirits unbroken. Legendary trainer David Hayes, who had rushed back from Hong Kong as the fire threatened the property managed by his sons Ben, Will, and J.D., shared the harrowing details with SEN Track. He described the chaos of trying to evacuate 327 horses and staff while roads closed and winds howled at 90 km/h, turning the fire into an unstoppable force. ‘It was like a hurricane without rain,’ Hayes recalled, ‘horrible and relentless.’ At times, he admitted, he feared they would lose everything, as spot fires breached even the protected areas.
And this is the part most people miss: amidst the devastation, there’s a story of incredible resilience and teamwork. A video posted on Lindsay Park Racing’s Instagram captured the staff returning to their duties, surrounded by a smoke haze but united in their determination. The caption spoke volumes: ‘This place has been changed, but it has not been broken. We will rebuild, together.’ Their gratitude toward the staff, the CFA, and the community was palpable, highlighting the courage and commitment that define the racing industry at its best.
Thanks to a well-irrigated protected area and the tireless efforts of everyone involved, 320 horses survived. One remains in critical condition, fighting for its life under 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 work were also spared. However, the fire claimed a pre-training barn, a house under construction, and most of the property’s fencing, leaving a trail of destruction across north-east Victoria.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. The weekend was a dramatic one for Victoria’s racing industry, as fires raged near multiple properties. At Longwood Thoroughbred Farm, 165 horses were evacuated after trainers and their support network sprang into action. Owner Michael Christian personally helped relocate the beloved sprinter Bella Nipotina, a testament to the deep bond between humans and these majestic animals. Nearby, Levena Park faced a similar crisis, relocating 110 horses as flames engulfed paddocks and fencing. Miraculously, all the horses were saved, and the main structures remained largely intact.
But here’s the controversial question: as climate change intensifies, how prepared are we to protect these vulnerable animals and the livelihoods of those who care for them? The Hayes family’s story is one of courage and hope, but it also raises urgent questions about the future of racing in an increasingly unpredictable world. What measures should be taken to safeguard these operations? And who bears the responsibility—the industry, the government, or all of us? Let’s keep the conversation going. What are your thoughts?
