Badly burned mare could return home this month after arson attack

The mare badly burned in an apparent arson attack on the stable where fairytale 2009 Welsh Grand National winner Dream Alliance grew up could return home in ten days' time as she is making a good recovery.

Juwireya, a ten-year-old mare owned by Jan and Brian Vokes, suffered serious burns to her head, neck and back in last month's shocking incident in Cefn Fforest, near Blackwood, south Wales, in which her two-year-old colt son Impossible Dream lost his life.

Work to rebuild the stables has already started thanks to an online fundraising page set up through JustGiving, which stands at £9,420 after exceeding the £5,000 target.

"I don't know what we would have done without it," said Jan Vokes. "It costs £600 for skips just to clear the site. It's marvellous they have raised the funds they have. There is a builder starting this week who has promised to have the stables ready by a week on Sunday when hopefully the mare will come home from the vet.

"She's lost no condition, her temperament hasn't altered but she won't go in the smaller stable anymore. She's in a big foaling box, so what's being built now is going to be 12ft by 24ft."

Free nomination offer

Juwireya was also found with a swollen eye but Vokes said her vision appears normal and there is even hope she could be bred from again, with Overbury Stud and Godolphin, owners of Impossible Dream's sire Schiaparelli, making the offer of a free nomination.

"Her eye is open and the vet is confident she has full sight, the scabs are starting to come off and there is nice skin underneath," said Vokes.

"I'm hoping the vet will say she can go back to the stallion in April or May time next year. I had a lovely letter to say I could have a free nomination. For a big concern to take the time to think about little breeders like us was lovely."

Simon Sweeting, who stands Schiaparelli for Godolphin at Overbury Stud, said: "We were hugely concerned and upset by what happened, especially as the horse was by Schiaparelli. We make our living out of people like Jan and it's a case of helping when help is needed. I don't think we're doing anything particularly above and beyond. It's an easy thing to do."

Gwent Police said enquiries were continuing into the incident but no arrests had been made. They urge anyone with information on the fire, which broke out on Sunday, November 26 to call 101 quoting log number 135 26/11/17 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

You can donate to the fundraising campaign by clicking here

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com