Three Thoroughbreds died March 25 after a trailer transporting them crashed in Nelson County, Ky., during the early morning.
According to posts on Facebook from the Bardstown Police and Fire departments, the crash occurred around 4:49 a.m. near exit 25 of the Bluegrass Parkway. The trailer was traveling eastbound toward Lexington when it crossed the median and westbound lanes, colliding with the embankment of the overpass. The horses were traveling to Keeneland from Arkansas.
The driver, who suffered a severe foot laceration and two visible head lacerations, was transported to Flaget Memorial Hospital by ambulance before being flown to the University of Louisville Hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening. Based on visible branding, the truck is part of the Creech Horse Transportation fleet.
Anderson County large animal rescue assisted in removing the Thoroughbreds, and veterinarians from Rood & Riddle and Hagyard were on the scene. It took approximately four hours to remove the horses. While three horses died, four other horses were extricated and transported via ambulance to an equine hospital.
Kelly Wheeler, an assistant to trainer Eddie Kenneally, commented on the fire department's post, saying that the horses were under her care.
"I can't thank everyone enough for doing what they could to save the horses," Wheeler said in her post. "Losing three of them is an unbelievable tragedy. But because of everyone's hard work there are four at an equine hospital and hopefully on their way to recovery."
One of the horses that died was Darkroom, a 3-year-old Enticed gelding who won an allowance race March 15 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. It was his second win in four starts. His death was confirmed on Twitter by Double O Racing, which owned the Kentucky-bred in partnership with Kenneally, Kim Valerio, and Martha Ingram.
So unfortunately sad to of lost this talented guy today in a horrific accident. Prayers and thoughts going out to all the other horses, owners, staff, driver etc. 💔💔💔💔@KimValerio1 @DarleyAmerica @mhing644 @kenneallyracing @fairgroundsnola @keeneland https://t.co/ddwbIqMLhd
— Double O Racing (@double_racing) March 25, 2024
Calls made by BloodHorse to Kentucky Highway Patrol and Creech Horse Transportation were not immediately returned.
