An arson attack has left one horse dead and another injured at the Cefn Fforest stables of a former Welsh Grand National winner.
The fire, which was reported at around 6.43am on Sunday, November 26, is believed to have been deliberately started at the stables, causing around £3,000 worth of damage and killing a two-year-old gelding, known as Rodney.
Born on a disused allotment next to Blackwood rugby club and owned by a group of 23 friends who each paid £10 a week for the horse’s upkeep, Dream Alliance’s feat was the basis for a globally-released documentary, Dark Horse, which won Best World Cinema Documentary at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in 2015.
Prior to his death, it was hoped Rodney would follow in Dream Alliance’s footsteps and race under the name Impossible Dream.
His mother, Juwireya, fled the barn fire but suffered extensive burns to her face, back and legs.
Janet Vokes, who owned the stables with husband Brian, told BBC Wales: “We’re absolutely devastated. They’re scum – you can’t imagine why anyone would do such a thing.
“We’ve got no enemies, we keep ourselves to ourselves – we’ve only got our horses here.
“There’s no clues up there, it was dark, no lights. We haven’t got a clue – we hope someone locally will have the heart to inform the police if they know anything.”
A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: “We received a call at approximately 7.20am on Sunday November 26, reporting a fire at a barn on Cefn Fforest Avenue, Cefn Fforest.
“The barn was destroyed in the fire and a horse was found deceased inside. Another horse was found injured nearby and has since been taken to vets.
“The Fire Service and officers are currently working to establish the cause of the fire and anyone with any information should call Gwent Police on 101 quoting log number 135 26/11/17 or Crimestopppers on 0800 555 111.”
