It has been reported that a pair of stakes-winning Standardbreds were stolen from their stables overnight.

According to a report by the Italian media outlet ANSA, Unicka and Vampire Dany were stolen from their stable near Pisa on Monday night (March 6).

The article by ANSA states the police are entertaining the idea that the horses were stolen for ransom purposes.

Unika, a four-year-old mare, captured the 2016 Italian Trotting Derby and has won 13 of her 15 career starts. Vampire Dany, a three-year-old colt, won the 2016 Gran Criterium and has emerged victorious from six of his eight career starts.

(With files from ANSA)