Racehorse dies after being hit by car in Lambourn
Trainer Tom Ward said the incident had been 'devastating' and he's called for drivers to show more care around horses
Last updated 9th Oct 2024
A racehorse has died after being hit by a car in Lambourn in west Berkshire.
The horse called 'Knockalla' was in a string of horses heading to gallops about a mile from trainer Tom Ward's Whitehall stables.
A car travelling too fast spooked the horse and it moved out into its path and was hit. It suffered a serious fracture to its leg and had to be put down. Its rider took a nasty fall but was fortunately unhurt.
The driver who collided with the back of the horse was also unhurt.
Devastated
Tom Ward, who was training the horse, said:
"The whole team are devastated obviously the owners are devastated and us as trainers are devastated it's a very sad situation the filly was a very sweet filly and was only two years old and she was starting her racing career and had had her first run and was very promising for next year and through no fault of her own had her life cut short."
He says he hopes it will serve as a tragic reminder to drivers to slow down and take care around horses - especially in an area so densely populated by them.
"The vast majority of people are very respectful of horses in the area but you do get the odd person that maybe they haven't been educated or don't know and probably do drive too fast. I think if this thing can bring any positives I hope it brings a bit more awareness to drivers."
The Lambourn Valley is recognised as one of the major racehorse training centres in the country.
Thames Valley Police say anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to call 101, quoting reference 43240469386.