Pony and 2 people killed in horsebox crash
A pony owned by racehorse trainer Brian Meehan and 2 people have died following a crash on the M11 last week (15 May).
4 other horses from Brian Meehan’s Wiltshire yard were also involved in the fatal accident.
3 cars, a lorry and and the horsebox collided in pile-up which happened shortly before 2.15pm between junctions 7 for Harlow, Essex, and 8 for Bishop’s Stortford, Herts.
The racehorses were en route to Newmarket when the accident happened.
A pony on the lorry, called Pistolero, died as a result of the injuries sustained in the crash. Pistolero was used to escort runners to the start.
He was traveling with 3 intended runners for Thursday night’s meeting at Newmarket and another horse that was returning to his owners for a holiday.
The horses were taken to Newmarket Equine Centre for treatment after the accident.
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2 of the intended runners remain at the hospital. 1 has serious injuries and the other is expected to return home this week.
The 3rd runner returned to the stables on Friday and the other horse has been allowed to continue his journey home.
Brian said: “It is a very sad day for us. It was a horrific incident on the motorway and we would like to send our sincerest condolences to the families of the people who lost their lives.
“Sadly, we have lost Pistolero, who has been with us for a long time. He came back with Red Rocks when he won the 2006 Breeders Cup Turf for us and he was not only an invaluable help with a number of the horses both here and on the racecourse, he was a great character.
“He was Western-trained and was a treat to ride and the children, in particular, used to love him. He was, without doubt our stable stars, and we shall all miss him greatly.”
The 2 people who died are believed to be a 53-year-old man from the Netherlands and a 45-year-old woman from Kent, who were brother and sister.
Essex police confirmed that the driver of a lorry was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The 49 year old man from Stafford was questioned and later released on police bail until September 15 while enquiries continue.
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Sophia Heath joined Horse & Hound in July 2013 having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph's Olympics website, CNN International and Omnisport. A Durham graduate with a Masters in journalism from City University, Sophia has evented, showjumped and hunted. Sophia left Horse & Hound in early 2015 to join an international boating website.