Tornado Update
Monday, November 7, 2005
For those who have asked about members of the equine community who might have been affected by the tornado that swept through parts of Indiana and Kentucky this past weekend, the Report is relieved to say that we are not aware of anyone in our immediate community who was impacted by this deadly catastrophe. More specifically, DeLovely, Chuck Herbert’s Cedarwood Farm, Armon Effinger, and others in the Evansville area are all fine.
It was sad to learn, however, that the damage at the Ellis Park racetrack in Henderson County, Kentucky is extensive. Estimates are that 75% of the barns are damaged or destroyed. Veterinarians worked all night to treat injured horses; the most severe injuries have been taken care of as of now.
Linda Stone reports that her husband, Dr. R. H. Stone of Stone Ridge Equine Care, was called out at 2:30 am to treat the injured horses. There were 150 head on the premises (had it still been racing season there would have been over 600 head). Several barns are gone, the grandstand suffered major damage. Initially there were many loose and frightened horses among the debris and downed power lines. By Sunday afternoon, all were in stalls. Approximately 35 head were treated for serious injuries, 6 died or were destroyed and many were sedated for their own welfare.
Stone further reports that damage at Ellis Park is estimated in the millions and at this point the track manager estimates months to repair. The Horsemen’s Benevolent Fund is assisting the trainers and owners in replacing tack, covering relocation expenses and prolonged veterinary care for injured animals.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have suffered damage or lost loved ones in yet another tragic natural disaster.
Editor’s Note: We’ve just heard that Mandy Martin and her family are fine. They live only about one mile from the tornado’s path in Newburgh, Indiana.
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