A horse was tragically killed hours after winning a race in a crash which seriously injured her groom.
Lincoln Pride died in the collision on the A47 Acle Straight, a short distance from where the filly had been successful at Great Yarmouth Racecourse. Her groom Diane Jackson, the driver of the horsebox, was transported to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge with life-threatening injuries.
The vehicle, from David O'Meara's stable in York, was in a collision with a black Range Rover just before 4pm on Sunday. A man aged in his 20s, who was driving, was taken to the nearby James Paget Hospital in Gorleston with serious injuries.
A female passenger, also traveling in his car, sustained minor injuries, Norfolk Police confirmed. The road was shut for seven hours while the emergency services were at the scene and it reopened shortly before 11pm.
Lincoln Pride, named after where her owners G P S Heart of Racing (Bloodstock) come from, won the third race of her career in the Drifters Fish And Chips All Events Handicap. In the opening contest on the card, the 4-7 favourite drew two-and-a-quarter lengths clear, with jockey Jason Watson in the saddle.
Jackson had set out to drive around 200 miles back to O'Meara's stables when the tragedy occurred. Employees at the yard have been left devastated by what happened and are thinking her while she is being treated by medical staff.
Followers of horse racing have expressed their sadness about the incident on social media.
One wrote: "So sad to read of the death of Lincoln Pride after his win at Great Yarmouth at the weekend. He was sadly involved in a RTA. This is heartbreaking for all at the yard."
Another added: "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."
A third person wrote: "Thinking of all concerned."
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.
