Gifted racehorse sent for slaughter
Fury in racing world after a retired racehorse who had been trusted to the care of a stable lad, ended his days being sold to a slaughterhouse for £300
A stable lad has left his job with Newmarket trainer Alec Stewart after selling a racehorse he was given to the slaughterhouse for £300.
Michael Grange rode Wood Magic out on Newmarket Heath most mornings, but when the horse was deemed unfit to continue his careerin racing the nine-year-old gelding was entrusted to his lad.
The horse was given to the lad on the understanding that he was re-schooled for recreational riding and would be found a good home. Instead of enjoying a happy retirement, Wood Magic has been put down.
Wood Magic was based at Stewart’s Clarehaven stables from the spring of 1998 until August this year. He had won races at Southwell and Chester and was ridden by Frankie Dettori and Pat Eddery, before becoming the lead horse to Stewart’s stable star Mutamam.
Alec Stewart said: “He was given to me to act as a lead horse. Earlier this summer I noticed a slight filling around his suspensory ligament, and felt he deserved a well-earned retirement.
“The lad who used to ride Wood Magic asked me if he could have the horse to re-school as a recreational ride. I agreed on the understanding he was guaranteed a good home.”
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Stewart said he was appalled to learn Wood Magic had been sold to the local knackers.
After interviewing 22-year-old Grange, Stewart said the lad agreed to return the £300, which would be donated to a racehorse rehabilitation center.
Michael Grange no longer works for Alec Stewart.
Read more racing welfare stories:
- Outcry over cull of retired racehorses
- Top racehorses abandoned and dying in Pakistan
- Drugged horses run for the mafia
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