Promising sprinter Sunburnt Land struck down by lightning
November 14, 2008 12:37pm

THE owners of a highly-promising racehorse are distraught after the sprinter was killed during wild storms this morning.

Sunburnt Land - which had won eight races and earned close to $380,000 in prizemoney - was killed by a bolt of lightning on property at Romsey.

The tragic loss resulted from an intense thunderstorm which swept across the state this morning, causing transport disruption and damage to homes.

Distraught owner David Moodie and trainer Mathew Ellerton could scarcely believe their misfortune.

"It's cruel. I'm not looking for sympathy but it goes to show how hard this game is for everyone,'' Moodie said.

Ellerton said Sunburnt Land had untapped potential.

"I'd like to think he had his best days in front of him,'' he said.

A Group 2 Schillaci Stakes winner, Sunburnt Land finished third to Swick in last Saturday's Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic (1200m).

Sunburnt Land is at his best when closing late but was left in front too soon when Apache Cat folded 400m out.

At his previous starts he stormed home for an unlucky third to Hot Danish in the Salinger Stakes.

Connections had aimed him for the autumn Group 1 sprint treble of the Lightning Stakes, Oakleigh Plate and Newmarket Handicap.

From 18 starts the Scenic gelding won six races for $379,000 in stakes.