Twins Emma and Lucy Longmire instrumental in saving horses caught up in bushfire disaster
When twins Emma and Lucy Longmire opened their stable doors to help six horses caught up in the bushfire crisis, no one expected them to go far beyond that and find shelter for another 24 runners. But they did.
Racing
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Emma and Lucy Longmire’s Goulburn stables became racing’s “halfway house” during the bushfire crisis.
The twins helped transport 30 horses from nearby properties to safety during the New Year’s Eve fire inferno.
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They opened up their stables and took in six horses while finding homes for another 24 either with other Goulburn trainers or properties that were not under any threat of fires.
“We got a phone call early that morning (December 31) from some clients who were in the direct path of the fires and needed help to move their horses,’’ Emma Longmire said.
“So, Lucy and I got into the truck (horse float) and from 11am we didn’t stop until 10pm that night.
“It wasn’t easy because at one point we had to move 12 broodmares that were in foal, and there were plenty of young horses that had never been on a truck before.
“But we had to get those horses out of harm’s way — we were happy to help where we could.’’
While all this was going on, the Longmires still had to attend to their own racing team which includes handy gallopers Sennacherib and Newtown Bluebag.
“Goulburn did lose one race meeting last month due to the smoke haze but really we have been very lucky,’’ Emma said.
“We have been able to work our horses every morning, we haven’t had to stop trackwork once due to the smoke.’’
The NSW racing industry has lost a number of race meetings in recent weeks including Nowra last Sunday due to the smoke haze or threat of bush fires.
Racing NSW and Australian Turf Club are cognisant of the financial and emotional toll the bushfires have had on industry participants and are planning a fundraising raceday at Royal Randwick on January 25.
The Randwick meeting featuring the Carrington Stakes scheduled for January 25 will be dedicated to the bushfire appeal with the goal of raising $100,000 for those affected by the NSW bushfires. The fundraising package includes:
#The Carrington Stakes meeting will be branded “Racing for the Bushfire Appeal”.
#ATC will offer free entry to all RFS and other volunteers helping with the bushfires on January 25.
#Race-naming rights will be sold off with all funds raised supporting the cause.
#Signed memorabilia from that day such as jockey’s silks and saddle cloths with be auctioned off raising further funds.
#Racing NSW and ATC will donate $10,000 each to support those affected by the fires.
#Donation collection buckets will be at all Sydney racedays for the remainder of the month.
Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys said that these initiatives come on top of the $500,000 emergency funding relief package announced last week to assist owners, trainers, jockeys, trackriders, stablehands and other participants affected by the bushfires on the NSW South Coast, as well as additional financial support to ensure that all horses are being fed and cared for.
“Our priority first and foremost has been to look after our industry participants, but we are also determined to support the overall bushfire relief cause in this time of crisis,’’ Mr V’landys said.
“The people in the front line whether local residents or the many service people and volunteers involved need our support.’’
ATC chief executive Jamie Barkley said the club wanted to acknowledge the work of volunteers on the front line and behind the scenes fighting the bushfire.
“These bushfires are devastating and have touched the lives of everyone in some way,’’ Mr Barkley said.
“We pay tribute to the volunteers on the front line and behind the scenes that are working selflessly to protect lives, property and helping those most in need.’’
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