More than 160 rusty nails have been found scattered across an Invercargill racetrack in an act that track officials are calling "racing terrorism".
The lead-headed nails were discovered at the Ascot Park Raceway on Saturday, after officials got an anonymous telephone tip 90 minutes before a meeting was due to start.
About 120 nails were found on the grass galloping track and a further 40 on the harness racing track.
Southland Racing Club president Sean Bellew says it is a twisted act that could have ended a horse's racing career, caused tetanus or even led to a horse having to be put down.
Mr Bellew believes someone with a vendetta against the racecourse planted the nails.
Police are investigating the incident.
