Horse dies after leading Aussie trainer's 'horrific' truck accident
Leading Aussie racehorse trainer Todd Howlett has escaped serious injury after a shocking truck rollover in Belford in NSW on Tuesday.
The country NSW trainer was travelling along the New England Highway in the early hours of Tuesday morning when the accident occurred.
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The road had to be closed in both directions as a result.
Howlett was transporting five horses in the truck, one of which died.
"Unfortunately early hours of this morning one of our trucks with five horses and Todd on board was involved in a horrific accident on the New England Hwy Belford," Todd Howlett Racing said in a statement.
"Todd escaped without injury but we unfortunately lost one horse at the scene and the other four horses are being monitored back at the stables.
"We would like to thank the emergency services, bystanders and vet for their quick assistance this morning.
"Thank you for all your calls and messages of concern, lastly thank you to our staff for all their assistance this morning under such circumstances.
"We are all in a state of shock and coming to terms with what has happened this morning."
Howlett told Racenet he was transporting the horses for trackwork gallops when the accident happened.
“I’m a bit sore and pretty shook up,” Howlett said.
“When I was out of control it was pretty scary."
Howlett was seen to by paramedics at the scene but didn't require further treatment.
“My neck is pretty stiff and generally I’m pretty sore all over," he said.
“I’m just grateful to everyone that helped - the emergency services, bystanders and vet.”
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One of the horses on board was Tamworth Country Championships aspirant Toto.
“I was taking Toto up for a gallop ahead of Sunday,” Howlett said.
“He, like the other horses that made it home, won’t be going to the races for a while, they’re pretty battered and bruised, skin off them everywhere.
“Unfortunately, one of the five didn’t make it home.”
Fans reacted to the tragedy with shock and sadness.
"Sad news to hear a horse was unfortunately lost but for Todd Howlett and the remaining 4 horses hoping for a speedy recovery to them all," one commented.
Another wrote: "Every trainer and owner's nightmare to have this happen.
"Glad Todd is ok and hope the other 4 horses recover quickly. Condolences to the connections of the horse that was lost."
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