'I've never witnessed anything like it' - racing Brits react to bushfire tragedy

Racing is doing what it does best and pulling together in the face of tragedy as bushfires continue to ravage Australia.

Frankie Dettori tweeted his support to bushfire relief efforts on Sunday, having been at the Magic Millions Polo event at the Gold Coast over the weekend, while many jockeys and racing organisations in Australia have donated to worthwhile causes.

For David Eustace, who holds a joint trainer's licence with Ciaron Maher, it has been quite a shock to see the devastating effects of the bushfires on the families of colleagues and friends.

Eustace, son of Newmarket trainer James and based in Victoria, said: "In large areas of the state it’s had huge effects. We haven’t had to move any horses but certain farms that we might have had horses at in the past have been affected. It’s a new experience for me and I’ve never witnessed anything like it.

“There’s people who you work alongside with and are friends with whose families have been badly affected and it’s quite a shock.

David Eustace (left): 'I've never witnessed anything like it'Credit: Racing Photos

“Racing in more rural areas has had to be moved or cancelled and that’s where it’s affected us most from the stable’s view, but there are far bigger and more important issues for the general horse community and farms where there has been absolute devastation.

“You see time and time again that whenever anything devastating happens to horses or humans – and wherever in the world – the racing community rallies around and everyone has pulled together.”

Journeys to the racecourse have put things into perspective for Sydney-based jockey Rachel King, who has donated A$100 for each of her 16 winners last month to the bushfire appeal.

King, former amateur rider in Britain before heading out to Australia almost six years ago, said: "It’s been amazing how much smoke has been in the city considering we’re not that close to the fires.

“Going to the races and travelling around you realise how bad it is – driving along you see trees burnt out and properties destroyed. So many people, including trainers and owners, have lost everything.

Rachel King: enjoyed a double at Randwick to start the yearCredit: Racing Photos

“There was a group of owners on Saturday that I rode a winner for but quite a few of them couldn’t make it as they were at home trying to defend their properties and fight off the fires. It hits home when you’re dealing with people like that.

“You feel relatively safe in Sydney but the fires feel close enough and you don’t feel too far away from them. The effects of the fires are just huge.”

Mick Channon jnr works for Chris Waller and the leading trainer's team at Rosehill have been keeping horses well hydrated and using fans in the barns to combat high temperatures.

Channon jnr said: “I’m in the suburbs of Sydney and it feels like a world apart from what we’re seeing on TV. You really wouldn’t think you’re in the same country as what everyone is seeing.

“The bushfires are as close as an hour’s drive away and catastrophic for everyone, so it’s a very strange state of affairs. If the wind blows the day goes orange, but that’s all we're having here at Rosehill.

“On Saturday it was 47C here and I’d never known anything like it. It was like opening the oven on Christmas Day to get the turkey out but that heat all day long, so to think what people based near the bushfires are going through is really sad.

“In the suburbs there’s no real panic but who knows what’s going to happen. It’s terrifying when you watch the news but it’s that bad that you can’t imagine what it’s like unless you have seen it, which we haven’t yet. All our thoughts are with the people out there.”

Mick Channon jnr: based at Chris Walller's Rosehill stableCredit: Lee Mottershead

Racing New South Wales and The Australian Turf Club on Monday joined forces in an appeal to support those affected by the bushfires and hope to raise A$100,000 through a range of initiatives.

Carrington Stakes day at Randwick on January 25 will be dedicated to the appeal with race naming rights being sold and signed memorabilia from the raceday set to be auctioned.

Gate takings from the next two Saturday meetings at Flemington will also be donated to bushfire relief with fire fighters and their families granted free entry.

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