Sydney: Searchers are scouring the Australian outback for a thoroughbred horse who escaped from its paddock and may have joined a herd of wild horses. The seven-year-old gelding got out of a field on its trainer’s property in Alice Springs a month ago. His owners — a six-member syndicate — chartered a helicopter to look for the prize-winning racehorse and circulated photos to property owners. Most people in the town believe the gelding has teamed up with a herd of brumbies, or wild horses.
“He’s brought everybody a lot of good times and we’re very keen to get him back,” said syndicate leader Stephen Smedley of the horse, called Not Abandoned.
He said that when the gelding disappeared he expected him to be found dead in the bush, unable to survive the harsh environment. Veterinarians have since told him that if Not Abandoned has joined a herd of wild horses they will have led him to fresh water and grazing. Unseasonal rains have improved its chances, meaning it will be able to get the 20 litres of water a day it needs to stay alive.
The thoroughbred has a history of overcoming the odds, according to the local newspaper, The Centralian Advocate. As a yearling he was given away in a lottery and delighted his new owners by coming second in his first race. It has collected tens of thousands of dollars in prize money.
Andrew O’Toole, chief executive of the Alice Springs Turf Club, said: “Not Abandoned is one of the best horses to have raced here and I, along with everybody else, am keen that somebody spots him and he can be caught.”
| Let's hope he never gets caught |
|