THE first batch of horses seized by the Department of Primary Industries from the failed Ivory Lodge Stud on the Darling Downs will be put to auction in Toowoomba on November 11.

Department animal welfare officers took 13 mares and young horses from the property in June – and effectively closed down the stud near Clifton last week when it removed another 36 mares said to be malnourished.
A department spokesperson said the horses taken last week would not be part of the auction and would remain in the department’s care while an investigation continued into the animals’ welfare.

The horses for auction were regarded as having been forfeited to the State, although the department would continue with inquiries to establish that any were owned by breeders other than personnel associated with Ivory Lodge.

Ivory Lodge was established last year by former Olympic swimmer Steven Dewick when he promoted former racehorses Copeton (by Danehill) and Coats Choice (by Redoute’s Choice) as the foundation stallions.

Posted: 11|2|06 at 8:07 am. Filed under: Auction News.