INVESTIGATORS have removed a length of cable from Newbury Racecourse following a freak incident in which two horses were killed in an apparent electrocution.

Fenix Two and Marching Song both collapsed and died in the paddock yesterday after a suspected underground power leak.

Other horses were seen to wobble in the incident and organisers decided to abandon racing amid safety concerns.

It is thought electricity could have been conducted through the horses’ metal shoes, explaining why handlers were not affected.

Investigators said today an electricity cable had been found and will undergo further testing.

Stuart Hogarth, operations director for Southern Electric Power Distribution, said: “Following yesterday’s unprecedented event, a full investigation is already under way.

“A section of electricity cable has been removed from the paddock area for further detailed inspection.

Hogarth added: “Our initial on-site investigations last night confirm there was no danger to the public.”

Newbury Racecourse joint managing director Stephen Higgins said: “We have been reassured that the site is safe and we hope that the final results of this investigation will be established as soon as possible.

“Once again, we extend all our condolences to the connections of those horses affected.”

The bizarre events of yesterday forced organisers to abandon racing after just the first run.

The incident took place in the paddock as horses were warming up for the day’s opening race.

Jonjo O’Neill, trainer of Fenix Two, said he noticed the horse in front of his, Kid Cassidy, go down on his knees before his horse was struck.

“Mine reared up and we couldn’t get him back, it was like he was stuck to the ground. It was the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” Mr O’Neill said.

Paul Barber, owner of Denman, was in the paddock at the time of the incident.

He said some people felt a “tingling” as they led horses around the paddock.

“They were getting the shocks off the grass, not off the Tarmac. I’ve never seen anything quite like that ever,” he added.

Mr Higgins said yesterday there was a “distinct possibility” maintenance carried out prior to Saturday had disturbed the cable, which is believed to have been buried for at least 40 years.

He said: “We have done some routine maintenance during the week, we do that every race meeting before racing, and whether or not that has disturbed something in the ground that had caused this catastrophic incident to occur to those horses we are not sure yet, but it is a distinct possibility.”

Mr Higgins also suggested that the reason the horses, rather than the spectators, were affected was due to the animal’s metal shoes and greater number of legs.

“The two (horses) who died had steel shoes on and the two who were ok had aluminium plates on, so there’s a distinct possibility that the conductivity of the electricity has affected the horses and not humans.”

Investigators are still waiting for the results of post-mortem examinations into the horses’ deaths.

Launching a full investigation into the incident, Professor Tim Morris, director of equine science and welfare for the British Horseracing Authority, said: “Whilst there are suspicions that an electrical fault was the cause and this is being looked into by the racecourse and relevant authorities, it is important that we investigate other possible causes.

“Both horses have been sent for post-mortem examinations, and samples from both horses, and from the other two horses involved in the incident, have been taken and will be analysed.

“We will also be testing a sample of the water supply and have secured and will review all of the CCTV footage from the racecourse stables and footage from the parade ring itself at the time.

“We have gathered evidence and statements at the racecourse from the connections involved with the incident, including trainers, jockeys, stable staff and owners, the racecourse and BHA veterinary officers, and the racecourse executive including the health and safety officer.”