Source:  Various

Two horses in the paddock at Newbury race course suddenly collapsed and died prior to the start of the opening race.  Another horse stumbled badly in the paddock, down to his knees, and was withdrawn prior to the start.  

Seven other animals went forward in the race after being checked by the attending veterinarian and pronounced fit to proceed.

Track authorities then cancelled all further racing for the day.

According to a BBC report, electrocution caused by cables running under the paddock is suspected.  The turf was damp in the area and horses are considerably more sensitive to electricity than humans.

Authorities plan a thorough investigation.  Necropsies to confirm cause of death will be performed.   All owners and staff inside the paddock at the time will be interviewed and any tack that shows damage will be examined.  

All further racing at Newbury has been cancelled until the cause of the incident has been confirmed and remedied.