Various reports cite armed terrorists raiding the Al Shaab Stud, the biggest thoroughbred stud in Libya, and taking stallions and broodmares.
Australian Group 2 winner Churchill Downs (Danehill) (pictured) was one of six stallions taken along with the UK Group 3 winner Raise A Grand (Grand Lodge).
The stud, which is located near Tripoli, was overtaken by armed militia from the city of Tarhuna
Al Shaab Stud general manager and veterinarian Dr Amad Ashaab said the band of raiders also stole broodmares during the robbery.
“At six o’clock (Saturday), an armed group came from the Tarhuna city militia loyal to Haftar,’’ Dr Ashaab said via email.
“They broke into the stable and stole all the veterinary devices, furniture, offices, generator, jars and water pumps.
“They stole the 12 in-foal mares that are about to give birth this January and February. Then they entered the stallion of stallions and stole six stallions: Churchill Downs, Brut Force, Backdraft, Eavesdropper, Raise A Grand and Metternich.
“They shot two horses and were wounded in the hind legs so that no one could provide the ambulance to help the horse with euthanasia.
“We appeal to all humanitarian organisations and all horse organisations to save the horses of Libya.
“I am so sad and my heart is broken. It is my life’s work, for my country and countrymen, I preserve the national heritage, and now this terrible assault. It is too cruel,”