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| Source: Daily Telegraph |
Coolmore and Darley horse studs, which have produced champions including Redoute's Choice, Exceed and Excel and Fastnet Rock -are at serious risk because of decisions to award coal mining leases by former Minister Ian MacDonald.
ICAC Operation Acacia has heard serious allegations of corruption, centred around the Doyles Creek exploration licence awarded by Minister Ian MacDonald in 2008 - without tender. The Doyles Creek exploration licence covers the land owned by Coolmore and Darley studs.
The Anglo American open cut coal mine also threatens to operate only 500m away from their fencelines.
"It's frightening to think what could happen," said Tom Magnier, who oversees the stud for his family, which also operates in Ireland and Kentucky.
40 of the 93 horses running at Randwick today were sired by either a Coolmore or Darley stallions.
Together they employ up to 300 people and horses sired at their studs generated almost $50 million in sales at the recent Easter yearling sale in Sydney.
"This is special thoroughbred land and has been for more than 100 years. It's very difficult to accept we are now at risk because of these dealings."
Full story:
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/superracing/world-class-studs-facing-dark-coal-mine-crisis/story-fn67rc85-1226630339130
