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📻 IMPORTANT AUCKLAND UPDATE 📻
Hayes confirm "catastrophic" bush fire kills seven horses
SEN • January 12th, 2026 10:01 am
David Hayes flew from Hong Kong to Australia to help his sons battle the raging bushfires at the family’s Lindsay Park property where tragically seven horses died and one remains in a critical condition.
The property, which is close to Euroa, was devastated by the fires, with David’s sons Ben, Will and JD providing an update on Sunday.
“Now that all horses on the property have been accounted for and assessed, Lindsay Park can confirm that seven horses have tragically been lost from injuries sustained in the fire,' the family said in a statement.
“One additional horse remains in a critical condition and is receiving intensive veterinary care.
“All owners directly affected have been notified.
“Every possible measure was taken to protect all the horses and the property under extremely difficult and rapidly changing conditions.
“The priority throughout the event remained the safety of people and horses.
“We extend our sincere sympathies to the owners who have suffered losses, and our thoughts are with the broader community and all those affected by the fires.
“The Lindsay Park team who work tirelessly to care for these horses everyday after devastated by the events, and we will be ensuring they are supported.”
Thanks to the efforts of their staff and the CFA, the family confirmed that 320 horses had been saved from the fires.
In a separate statement, Racing Victoria said: “Our thoughts are with the owners, the Hayes family, the Lindsay Park team, and all those affected by this tragic event,” RV said.
“We recognise the profound emotional toll such circumstances place on the people who look after these horses every day and have a deep involvement with them.
“Racing Victoria extends its sincere sympathies to everyone impacted and acknowledges the efforts of emergency services and those working tirelessly in exceptionally difficult conditions to protect lives and property.
“We remain in contact with Lindsay Park and will continue to offer our support during this challenging time.”
Earlier, the Lindsay park team had described the conditions at the property to "catastrophic" as temperatures soared and winds strengthened.
They confirmed that staff only left when human lives were put at risk.
