A possible case of poisoning has damaged a horseracing track, putting the main race of the Magic Millions event in jeopardy. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the damage, with police focusing on security footage and employee interviews.
Damage to a horseracing track that has put the Magic Millions ' main race under a cloud may have been caused by poison early last week, police say. Investigation s continue into the damage at the end of the track that saw the opening day of the carnival relocated to the Sunshine Coast due to safety concerns. Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon said officers were reviewing security camera footage and interviewing staff to determine whether there had been any unauthorised access onto the site.
While the 'discolouration' to the surface of the track was reported to police on Friday, he said it could have been caused several days earlier. 'It appears the damage may have been caused early last week … and it could be caused by some form of herbicide,' Chief Superintendent Hanlon said. 'The turf club's engaged with all their employees who may be involved or may have worked around the area.'He said no threats have been made towards the turf club or Magic Millions event and police have questioned animal advocates. Chief Superintendent Hanlon said samples of the impacted grass had been taken for analysis, which would be 'hopefully finished today or tomorrow'. Gold Coast Turf Club CEO Steve Lines said the course appeared to have been poisoned, but he was unable to say whether it was intentional or not, amid investigations. Mr Lines said a team of experts, including senior manager of Flemington Racecourse Liam O'Keeffe, was working to repair the damage by cutting out existing turf to be placed over the damaged section. He said jockeys would ride horses over the new section on Thursday to determine whether races could go ahead on the weekend. 'Testing times for us but I've got to say, the team at Magic Millions have been totally unwavering in their support of us,' he said. 'We're looking forward to trying to get as much resolution to this as we possibly can, to enable next Saturda
Horseracing Magic Millions Poisoning Investigation Racecourse Damage
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