Revenge motive in Libyan horse raid

The group who stole a number of Australian racehorses (including a descendant of Phar Lap) from a stud in Libya are motivated by political revenge rather than money, it has been claimed.

Radwan Ashaab, brother of Amad, with a stallion Eavesdropper in the Tripoli Sea

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The kidnappers of almost 50 horses in Libya, including a direct relative of Phar Lap and former Golden Slipper place getter, want revenge rather than a ransom.

News Corp Australia has confirmed that the horses were taken from the leading Al Shaab Stud in the north African country as part of the ongoing armed conflict there.

A week has passed since the first raid on the leading Libyan horse stud but the kidnappers have made no ransom demands.

Dr Amad Ashaab, who owns the stud which drafted in Australian stallions, said he was being punished for his political links.

Horses stolen from the Al Shaab Stud in Libya.

“The demands do not exist but rather revenge, because I come from the Sukaljumah region of Tripoli, and I have a family relationship with President Fayez al-Sarraj,” he said.

“The kidnappers are gunmen from Haftar, from the Al-Hawamat area, from the city of Tarhuna, which is adjacent to the Shuraidat area of the city of Al-Qahrabawali.”

Golden Slipper placegetter Churchill Downs, once owned by Australian John Singleton, and Miss Wyndam, a 15-year Australian mare, a direct relative of Phar Lap, were among those taken.

Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar has been trying to overthrow the United Nations recognised government of Mr Sarraj, with a major offensive starting in April 2019.

Nigerian horse workers who tried to keep the horses alive at the Al Shaab Stud in Libya before they were kidnapped.

Mr Haftar visited Rome this week for talks with the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, while Mr Sarraj went to Brussels, as the international community attempts to broker a ceasefire.

The horses appear to have been caught in the middle of the dispute, with Egypt and the United Arab Emirates supporting the rebels, while the UN has backed Mr Sarraj.

Dr Ashaab, a veterinarian, said he was devastated at the deaths of two horses in the raid and had grave concerns for the rest that were taken.

Dr. Amad Ashaab the auctioneer at Al Shaab Stud sale and owner of the stable

He has not received help from the Libyan government, he added, but wanted the United Arab Emirates, an ally of Mr Haftar, to intervene.

Dr Ashaab also wants help from others in the international racing community, hoping figures in France can broker the horses’ release.

“You erect monuments for the innocent animals lost to war. You wear poppies “lest we forget”. Do not now turn a blind and uncaring eye from the innocent horses of Libya caught up in man’s conflict without choice?” he said.

Dr Amad Ashaad's daughter Dania with Eavesdropper, one of the horses that was kidnapped.

“We pray for the safe return of our horses. The loss of human life in conflict is agonising, but we ask you to save a prayer for our innocent horses. They are our family, our life.”

Dr Ashaab has been one of the main promoters of horse racing in Libya.

The country has spiralled out of control since the deposing of dictator Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 and some parts of the country were in the hands of terrorists.

Dr Ashaab said the horses were “family, loved and cherished with the care they deserved.”

“They did not deserve to be stolen. Please pray for their safe return. I hope the kidnappers suffer guilt and shame and return the horses,” Dr Ashaab said.

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