More than 800 Fire-Threatened Horses Evacuated to Del Mar

Del Mar’s backstretch area has provided safe haven for more than 800 horses escaping a wind-blown, fast-moving fire that ripped through the North County area of San Diego Thursday.

The first group of horses arrived at the Del Mar Fairgrounds late Thursday afternoon and vans continued to flow in throughout the night. By Friday morning more than 800 head – both Thoroughbreds and other breeds — had been bedded down in the 40-plus barns located on the grounds that are capable of holding as many as 1,600 horses. Other animals, including goats and pigs, also were brought on board to the 350-acre Fairgrounds.

Approximately 250 of the 450 horses that had been stabled at the San Luis Rey training center just over 30 miles to the northwest of Del Mar had been moved to the Fairgrounds after that facility was hit directly by the fire with as many as 30 horses deaths reported and several of their barns burned. There were reports of a few human injuries, but no deaths at the Bonsall location.

The Southern California Equine Foundation’s hospital located on the Del Mar backstretch was to be opened and manned later today.

Del Mar has received a huge outpouring of individuals offering to aid the rescued animals and many of them are being put to work with the animals in the stable area.

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and 22nd District Agricultural Association officials have an ongoing list of needs for the horses and individuals involved that is posted on their website. It can be found at www.dmtc.com/fire-evacuation

Additionally, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and The Stronach Group, owners of San Luis Rey Downs, have established a Go Fund Me account to aid those impacted by the fire at the training facility. It can be accessed at www.gofundme.com/thoroughbredcare

Further, the American Association of Equine Practitioners also has website for those wishing to donate toward relief. It is https://foundation.aaep.org/disasterrelief

For those needing more information about the evacuation situation at Del Mar, the main Fairgrounds phone number is the one to call. It is tel: (858) 755-1161.

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