Top Argentine Horse Kidnapped; Found at Shooting Range

Top Argentinian 3-year-old Forty Mirage, who was apparently kidnapped from his stall at Tandil racecourse some time Wednesday night or Thursday morning, was found Friday at a nearby military shooting range.

The incident came at a time when the U. S. partnership Team Valor was attempting to purchase the son of Roar, who ran a mile in 1:34.15 to win the Estreallas Juvenile (Arg-I) June 21,

According to published reports, someone cut chains to enter the stable of trainer Federico Aranaga, with Forty Mirage the only horse missing from the 14 horses in the stable. Barry Irwin, president of Team Valor, said he was informed of the coltês discovery by Chilean agent Fernando Fantini.

Despite the incident, Irwin said Team Valor would proceed with plans to purchase the colt, contingent upon a favorable veterinary inspection.

Forty Mirage, a homebred who races for Argentine industrialist Alfredo Mattei, also won the Chevalier Stakes (Arg-I) while winning three of six career starts.