The weekend fires near Ballarat have destroyed the facilities at harness racing's Durham Park in Durham Lead.
In some positive news the Edward Family, who set up and run the property, have said they are confident all of the horses have been moved to the safety of trainer Emma Stewart's property.
However, the venue has been absolutely savaged by the blaze, the Edward Family's social media statement explaining: "Durham Park is completely gone, absolutely nothing left – no fences, no sheds, no house, no water in the dams – nothing."
The trots community is rallying around the Edward family, who will assess the full extent of the damage in coming days before the rebuilding process can begin.
"Thanks to Clayton (Tonkin) and Emma who swung into immediate action," the statement read.
"We are confident that every horse has been saved.
"Our priorities now lie with our farm managers who have lost absolutely everything they own in the fire, all they have is the clothes on their backs."
Harness Racing Victoria's (HRV) thoughts are with the Edward family and all the staff.
An update will be provided in coming days.
by Cody Winnell
Full statement from the Edward Family re Durham Park and the fires
To everyone who has called, messaged or left a comment on Facebook, thank you.
Sorry I haven’t answered or responded, I’ve been a little busy.
Right now there’s nothing that anyone can really do.
Area is still too dangerous, and to be honest there is not much that can be done anyway.
Durham Park is completely gone, absolutely nothing left – no fences, no sheds, no house, no water in the dams – nothing.
We have had an extremely productive morning, shifting all 22 mares and foals to Rosehill Vet Clinic for monitoring – thanks so much to the amazing staff who have helped in the last 24 hours.
All of the rest of the horses have been shipped to Emma Stewart’s where they will get the best of care.
Thanks to Clayton (Tonkin) and Emma who swung into immediate action.
We are confident that every horse has been saved.
Our priorities now lie with our farm managers who have lost absolutely everything they own in the fire, all they have is the clothes on their backs.
We will wait until the fire is over completely, try and enjoy Christmas, and I’ll put the call out in a few weeks for all hands on deck to help try and get the place back in order. Priority will be the fences.
Thanks,
The Edward Family.