Racehorse killed and groom injured in horror road crash hours after winning race
A racehorse was tragically killed hours after winning a race in a horror crash which left her groom with “life threatening” injuries.
Lincoln Pride, a three-year-old filly trained by David O’Meara, died in a collision on A47 Acle Straight between Acle and Great Yarmouth, only a short distance from where she had just won at Great Yarmouth Racecourse. Her groom Diane Jackson, the driver of the horse box, was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where she was described as having “life threatening injuries.”
The collision happened just before 4pm on Sunday, less than two hours after Lincoln Pride had won the Drifters Fish And Chips All Events Handicap. The vehicle, from David O’Meara’s stable in York, was involved in a collision with a black Range Rover.
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The driver of the Range Rover, a man in his 20s, also suffered serious injuries and was taken to James Paget Hospital in Gorleston. Following the incident, the road was closed for seven hours while emergency services attended the scene. The road reopened shortly before 11pm.
Police confirmed that Lincoln Pride died at the scene. The horse had won its last two outings, including at Great Yarmouth earlier that afternoon, where the filly beat Platatree by 2 1/4l.
(Image: Sky Sports Racing)
Horse racing fans posted messages of condolence for Lincoln Pride and support for her horse box driver on social media. One person wrote: “Just so saddened to hear of the death of Lincoln Pride and the condition of David O’Meara’s box driver, following an accident, after the filly had won yesterday (Sunday) at Yarmouth. Absolutely tragic and hoping the driver makes a full recovery.”
Someone else said: “Oh this is so sad, poor Lincoln Pride and the lady driving. (She) won at Yarmouth and was travelling back when this happened. I hope the lady in hospital is ok.”
A third user added: “How very sad for poor Lincoln Pride & the lady horse box driver. I hope she makes a full recovery. Commiserations to all connections.”
(Image: GETTY)
A spokesperson for Norfolk Police said: “Officers were called to Acle New Road (Acle Straight) at approximately 3.45pm following reports of a collision involving a black Range Rover and a red Renault Master Horsebox, which was carrying a horse. Emergency services were called to the scene and a full road closure was put in place at the location. The road was re-opened shortly before 11pm.
“The driver of the Renault, a woman aged in her 40s, was taken to Addenbrookes Hospital, where she remains with life threatening injuries. Sadly, the horse died at the scene, as a result of the incident.”
Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash to come forward. Anyone who can help the investigation should contact PC Callum Walchester at Suffolk Police quoting incident NC-21082022-292.
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