Aussie horse racing industry rocked by devastating road tragedy
Five horses bought in a Magic Millions sale in Queensland have died after a horror road accident in the Hunter Valley in NSW.
The horses were being transported on a float on Saturday morning when the vehicle crashed near Muswellbrook at about 6.25am.
The truck reportedly left the road and collided with a tree.
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NSW Police confirmed five horses, who have not been named, died in the crash at Jerrys Plains.
A 59-year-old man and 62-year-old man were transported to John Hunter Hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries.
One man was reportedly treated for spinal and pelvis pain, while the other was trapped in the cabin for a short time before being freed.
"Both men were stabilised at the scene by paramedics and the chopper's critical care medical team, before they were flown to John Hunter Hospital for further treatment," the Newcastle Herald reported.
The Mangoola Rural Fire Brigade posted a number of photos from the crash scene.
Horse racing world shattered by awful tragedy
The horses were being transported back to NSW after they were purchased at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast last week.
The Gerry Harvey-owned company reportedly made over $140 million from the two-day event.
West Australian champion horse Arcadia Queen sold for $3.2 million, with Melody Belle from New Zealand was bought for $2.6m.
"Absolutely horrible, devastating....Very sad to hear this," one fan wrote online.
Another wrote: "Very sad news. Thoughts are with connections of these mares. RIP girls."
A third tweeted: "Heartbreaking to hear about these five beautiful mares. Would've been a shocking scene."
Devastating for all involvedhttps://t.co/4uQYl7C7h6
— Punters.com.au (@Punters) May 29, 2021
Heartbreaking to hear about these five beautiful mares. Would've been a shocking scene. MM purchases insurances taken out - these mares will be replaced very soon for the upcoming breeding season.
— Carolyn McDonald (@Carolyn28953900) May 30, 2021
The crash resulted in the Golden Highway being closed for several hours in both directions.
The highway re-opened around 11.40am.
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