Yorkshire trainer Mick Easterby left devastated after racehorse fatally injured following suspected poaching incident

Yorkshire trainer Mick Easterby has spoken of his devastation after over the death of his retired racehorse Blue Spinnaker.
By Andrew Hutchinson
Published 3rd Oct 2020, 12:33 BST
Updated 3rd Oct 2020, 12:36 BST
Mick Easterby. PIC: Simon HulmeMick Easterby. PIC: Simon Hulme
Mick Easterby. PIC: Simon Hulme

The retired Thirsk Hunt Cup and Zetland Gold Cup winner had to be put down after he collided with a gate, while he escaped with a herd of young horses he was looking after.

The North Yorkshire trainer fears poachers spooked the 21-year-old and he was seriously injured while fleeing his field in Bulmer, North Yorkshire.

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Mr Easterby said: "We are all absolutely devastated. He has been part of my life for so long. He was the most good natured horse in the world. It is very, very sad. He was very healthy and was peacefully living his life."

Officers from North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce have launched an investigation.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “It’s clear that poachers have absolutely no regard for the senseless damage they inflict on animals, property, farmers and landowners. This awful incident would be another demonstration of the terrible impact that hare coursing can have in rural communities – which is why we treat all reports of this illegal activity in North Yorkshire so seriously.

“Anyone caught poaching in our area can expect to be summonsed to court, while those stopped in suspicious circumstances may be issued with a community protection notice – breaches of which will be prosecuted.

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The spokesperson added: “It’s important to emphasise that if poaching is taking place, that means a crime is in progress, and witnesses should call the police on 999 to report it. To report suspicious circumstances, or information about suspected poachers, when it’s not urgent, call 101.”

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