Former National Hunt racehorse Steveys Lad, who finished 9th in the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse final at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) on Saturday night (12 October), died in a collision on the M5 on the journey home.
The 10-year-old chestnut, ridden by Samantha Osborne, had qualified for HOYS for the second year in a row. He was placed 7th last year, just 5 months after coming out of training with Philip Kirby in Middleham.
The 3.5tonne horsebox carrying Steveys Lad was hit from behind near junction 19 on the M5 on Sunday night (13 October).
The other horses and passengers involved in the accident escaped with minor injuries.
Samantha Osborne, who rode Steveys Lad in most of his showing classes, had earlier paid tribute to the horse in a HOYS preview.
“Stevey is a true showman, friend and the most gentle and kind-natured horse I have ever know,” she said. “I truly love him with all my heart and I am so proud of him for everything he has achieved.”
