68 racehorses are safely moved after flooding in Arkansas

Dozens of racehorses were moved safely after severe flooding forced the evacuation of the Ten Mile Creek training center in Lonsdale, Ark., 17 miles east of Oaklawn.

“Our thoughts are with the entire Oaklawn community as they endure the devastating impact of the flooding that occurred Saturday at Oaklawn’s Ten Mile Creek Training Center,” National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association executive director Eric Hamelback said in a written statement. “All horsemen are deeply concerned for the well-being of the horses, horsemen and their families affected by this severe flooding.”

There were 68 horses relocated to barns at Oaklawn, according to executive director Jeanette Milligan of the Arkansas HBPA.

“I’m very thankful for all the horsemen who showed up to evacuate all the horses and people,” said trainer Ron Moquett, an eyewitness to the flood.

Photographs shared by Moquett and on Facebook by the Lonsdale Fire and Rescue Department showed stable workers standing in rippling, thigh-high water that came up to the knees and hocks on horses being led to safety.

"The Arkansas HBPA, the National HBPA Foundation and its assistance committee stand ready to aid those in need,” Hamelback said. “We are actively monitoring the situation and will be coordinating with Jeanette Milligan and track management to ensure that help reaches those who need it most. To the horsemen and women impacted, you are not alone. We are here for you, and we will stand with you through the recovery process.”

The heavy rain forced Oaklawn to call off races Saturday and postpone the card to Sunday. A flood warning is still posted for the area until Saturday at 8:45 p.m. CDT. The National Weather Service reported 5.87 inches of rain had fallen in the 24 hours between 2 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday.