As more news has filtered in from Fairview Racecourse where grooms went on strike this morning and reports emanating from the grounds clarity as to exact situation has been forthcoming. Mass beating of horses and broken legs have been grossly exaggerated by stable staff and these have been disputed by sources on the ground.

According to a credible source speaking to SAHorseracing.COM on the grounds at Fairview training centre, grooms were on horses from the stables of Alan Greeff and others in early morning work. They subsequently left their horses in their stables after the first string and joined their fellow grooms in protests. Sources have stated that many of the grooms, who act as one, are sometimes intimidated to join the protests else they or their families would be in harm from the trouble maker grooms. There is obviously a faction of grooms who stir the trouble at the training center.

Only one horse has been confirmed to have died. Mark The Doorman and others were chased by the grooms when they were let out of the Yvette Bremner yard. Mark The Doorman, subsequently, ran into a fence and broke his neck. This was confirmed by a vet on site. Two other horses were hit on their shoulders, not legs and will make a full recovery according to the vet. One of these has a large laceration on the shoulder. Those beaten horses have been named as promising 3 year old winner Coup De Tat and one whom cannot be found on any database but seems to be named Whiskey Cavalier.

By all reports no other horses were injured and all horses let loose were found and caught.

This is a developing story.. 

Update 17:34 : reports are that certain horses have been hit with knobkerries, slashers and other items. Their joints are hurt but none more are dead. Article will be updated as more info comes to light.

Update 18:42: Hedley McGrath who owns many horses, around 28 in the Bremner stable, stated to a reporter that all his horses were injured contrary to earlier reports. He states that his favourite horse, name unknown, was cut from top to tail.

Update Friday 9:28: Racing is still on today at Fairview despite yesterday's protest action. All seems calm at the moment. 

Update Friday 12:10: Racing continues with the meeting not to be tragetdfor protest action. As far as we know. First race off shortly. 

Update Friday 13:00: one person aged 49 has been arrested for the Fairview Riots. No other arrests have been made. 

Update Monday 21 Sept 2020: leader of protest arrested. Click here