Shark mauls horse

By BRAD WEIER

A BULL shark tried to bite off more than it could chew when it attacked a horse in the Brisbane River at Kholo.

Monday's attack comes after East Ipswich teenager Nathan Shaxson was bitten on his head and finger while swimming in the river at Karalee, 15km downstream from Kholo, earlier this month.

Grandchester-based horse trainer Alan Treadwell said gelding Glen-burns Arm was swimming across the river when the shark struck about 9.30am.

He said he regularly exercised the six-year-old pacer in the river to improve its stamina and muscle development.

"The shark had a couple of good goes at (his rump) ? he was struggling for about 15 seconds before he got free," Mr Treadwell said yesterday.

"He went over backwards so luckily I was on the other side of the river bank and was able to drag him out with a (lead) rope."

University of Queensland professor Craig Franklin, who has studied Brisbane River bull sharks for four years, said he was not surprised by the attack.

"We had a very hot summer and it hasn't cooled down much so the sharks are still at their peak when it comes to feeding," Professor Franklin said.

"If fish (like mullet) are in short supply then they will go after whatever food is available."

Mr Treadwell said the horse was taken directly to Rosewood Veterinary Service where it was treated for minor wounds and bleeding.