Racehorse Burned In Fire On Train

Northern Advocate, 20 December 1945, Page 3

Racehorse Burned In Fire On Train

(Spec.) WAIPUKURAU, This Day. The thoroughbred brood mare Phaleron Sign was burned to death in a blazing waggon on a train travelling between Pukehou and Otane when it was being consigned to Hastings to Mr H. D. Matthews at Raglan. It is believed a spark from the engine ignited straw at the bottom of the waggon. The train was nearing Otane when the waggon was noticed to be on fire. The flames had a good hold and the drivei’, realising it would be hopeless to do anything with the equipment at the disposal of the train crew, an extinguisher in the guard’s van, speeded to the water tanks at Otane.

The horse was dead, however, when the station was reached. The waggon, an H-class covered with a tarpaulin, was about fifth from the engine. It was badly charred inside. It was taken off the train at Waipulcurau.

The horse was found in front of the waggon, having apparently endeavoured to avoid the flames as they were blown back by the breeze created by the train’s speed. Sheep travelling in a waggon behind were not affected. Phaleron Sign was a four-year-old-mare by Phaleron Bay from Countersign, who during her racing career, carried the colours of Messrs. G. and J. Pollock.

She was not a great success on the turf. As a two-year-old Phaleron Sign showed some promise when she beat a useful field of juveniles in the Victoria Handicap at Ellerslie. but she failed to go on and last season in nine starts failed to gain a place. Subsequently she was retired 'to the stud.