A racehorse has been killed in a road accident near Lambourn.
The seven-year-old grey gelding Quizzene, trained by Alastair Lidderdale at Eastbury Cottage Stables, was hit by a motorbike at about 10am on Sunday (14 June).
The horse was being ridden by assistant trainer Anthony Hallows along a quiet track that runs parallel with the Lambourn to Great Shefford road when more than 50 motorbikes drove past as part of an organised ride.
Quizzene was spooked by the noise and threw Mr Hallows.
The racehorse then ran back along the track and in front of the bikes, where he was hit one of them.
The horse broke a leg and was put down. Mr Hallows was unhurt.
Kevin McCarthy racing manager for Lidderdale Racing said: “The whole area has been affected by the tragic loss of Quizzene. Something has to be done to prevent this from happening again.
“It is unacceptable for any organisation to arrange and be permitted to bring this kind of traffic through the area. Apart from racehorses there are many other keen adult and child riders who enjoy the beautiful Berkshire countryside side and are put in grave danger. This has to be rectified.’’
Quizzene was bought at Doncaster sales a month ago by Mr Lidderdale on behalf of two owners who were formerly of Favourites Racing, a syndicate that used to own the horse.
Mr McCarthy added: “The horse was purchased on behalf of two lovely owners who wanted to ensure that he was going to a good home with the best of personal attention. This has been devastating for them.”
The horse had previously been trained by Mark Johnston and Alan King and had won nearly £50,000 in prize money.
