Winning racehorse injured by hit-and-run lorry driver

A racehorse stabled with Lincolnshire-based National Hunt trainer Chris Bealby has suffered serious injuries as a result of a hit-and-run incident near his yard in Grantham.

The gelding, an 11-year-old called Bennynthejets, was at the head of the string of five making its way to a nearby gallops last Saturday (16 March), when a lorry belonging to the DIY chain B&Q tried to overtake them.

The trainer, who was bringing up the rear of the string, told H&H: “It was a very narrow lane and there simply wasn’t enough room for vehicle of that size to pass safely. The lorry struck into the lead horse, dragging him behind it briefly. The driver just drove off.”

Bennynthejets, a five-times winner under rules who was due to be campaigned in point-to-points this spring, sustained deep tissue injuries to his hindquarters.

“He often acts as lead horse because he is so good in traffic, but he had no chance. Our vet has done a brilliant job patching him up, but we are not sure yet whether he will race again,” said Mr Bealby.

As well as informing the police, the trainer tweeted the news, warning other riders in the area to watch out for the vehicle.

“The response was overwhelming — the next day I heard that the driver had handed himself in [to the police],” he said.

B&Q has confirmed that it is investigating the matter.

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