Earthquake Rocks Hokkaido

An earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale struck in Japan's northern island of Hokkaido in the early hours of Thursday morning. The event happened 68km south east of Sapporo and early reports indicate at least nine people have died with hundreds more injured and trapped by debris . There was also widespread structural damage to homes and buildings, with flights at Sapporo and New Chitose Airports also disrupted. The affected area is close to many of Japan's major Thoroughbred breeding operations such as Northern and Shadai Farms, in addition to the Northern Horse Park, host of the JRHA Select Sale among others. There have been no reports so far of any studs or horses in the region being too adversely affected with Shadai Farm issuing a statement on Facebook that all staff and horses are safe and that there is no major damage to its property. Paca Paca Farm, owned by Irishman Dr. Harry Sweeney also escaped the worst and posted on Facebook, “Early this morning Hokkaido was hit was by a very strong earthquake. All horses and humans on the farm are fine and in good spirits this morning.”