No plans to destroy horse that bit off child’s arm

Top stallion “Java In Flight,” which ripped off the left arm of  seven-year-old David Sinanan on February 17 at a 16-acre stud farm at Ragoonanan Road, Enterprise, in Central Trinidad, was in a playful mood on Friday as he was caressed on the head by his owner Maniram “Boboy” Maharaj. The stallion, which has sired several top race horses in the country, did not even appear to be the vicious creature of which he is accused as Maharaj caressed his mane and referred to him as “Papa.” Later, the stallion obeyed instructions and raised his right foot as he was sprayed by an employee of the farm who gave him a bath.

His owner said that he is very fond of the stallion and he has no intention of getting rid of him. “He is one of my best, and I have plans for him,” assured Maharaj as he gazed at the stallion. The stud farm at William Trace, off Ragoonanan Road, is private property and belongs to Sukdeo Maraj. The farm is known as “Bob’s Farm” and provides a home to over 62 horses. Maniram Maharaj is the owner of most of the horses at the stables there, and he considers himself one of the top breeders in the country. He said that on the day of the incident involving his prized stallion, he was in Arima but eyewitness to the incident, Sukdeo Maraj, told Sunday Newsday that he was sorting out the feed at the farm, when he saw the child being tossed in the air by the stallion. He said that he alerted employees for help and the stallion simply walked away after the left arm of David Sinanan was ripped off. Maraj said that he contacted the EHS and was advised to place the severed arm in ice which he did.

He said that the EHS took about 35 minutes before they arrived at the farm and seven-year-old David Sinanan was rushed to the Paediatrics Surgical Unit at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex. The child underwent emergency surgery but doctors could not reattach the arm. David underwent more surgery on Monday to close off the stump. Both Maniram Maharaj and Sukdeo Maraj agree that they wished the incident never happened, but they added that the stallion was provoked into doing what he did. Sunday Newsday learnt that a gate was installed at the farm to keep trespassers and children out, but this has not stopped people from illegally entering the farm to watch the horses gallop. Maniram Maharaj said that children who enter the farm stone the horses to get them to gallop but this is dangerous since it could injure the animal.

Children who are unsupervised are prevented from entering the farm but teachers who request field trips to the farm to watch the horses gallop are granted permission. The farm is properly fenced and the only way to gain access is through the main gate at William Trace. Maharaj made it clear on Friday that he is not heartless and is truly sorry that David Sinanan lost his limb, but he has placed the matter in the hands of his lawyers. “I am not heartless but I have taken the proper route and I am awaiting word on the matter,” said Maharaj. He said that plans are afoot to further develop the farm at Ragoonanan Road and more security is expected to be put in place.

The father of seven is hoping to be champion breeder this year and in 2003 won 30 odd races taking home $809,000. He owns the most horses in the southern Caribbean — as many as 100 in breeding and racing stock. On Friday afternoon, David Sinanan, who is still warded at the EWMSC told Sunday Newsday that his main wish is to get an arm to replace the one which was ripped off by the stallion. The child said that he was assured that he would be released from hospital tomorrow. Sunday Newsday learned that attempts are being made to secure an artificial arm for David.