Trainers Patrick and Michelle Payne mourn loss of truck driver Peter Butler and three horses after ‘awful’ accident
The stable offered their condolences to the family of the driver, while confirming a third horse died in the crash.
Trainers Michelle and Patrick Payne have paid tribute to truck driver Peter Butler after he and three horses trained by the stable died in devastating fatal road accident in Victoria’s west on Monday.
The horse transport truck rolled onto its roof and went over an embankment at a tight bend on Slate Quarry Rd in Meredith, 46km northwest of Geelong on Monday morning.
Emergency services crews attempted to treat Butler at the scene but he could not be saved.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Two horses also died at the scene and Payne Racing have since confirmed a third equine death.
The legendary racing family released a statement on Tuesday, passing on their “sincere condolences to the family and friends” of Butler.
“Peter brought character and laughter to our jumpout mornings, and he will be sorely missed as a regular at our stable,” they said.
“Our thoughts are with the team at South West Horse Transport, Peter’s work colleagues Troy, Bruce and Brooke.
“We would like to thank the emergency services and responders who attended the scene including Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Country Fire Authority and SES volunteers and for the countless locals and members of the public who assisted at the scene.
“A special mention and thank you to the veterinarians and the entire team at Golden Plains Equine, we thank you for taking care of the six injured horses who survived.”
The stable also confirmed a third racehorse had died.
“We have now lost a total of three unraced horses, our heart goes out to the owners of those lost and to the owners of those whom were injured and still receiving care,” the statement read.
“We can assure all horses received the best of care and were attended to ASAP and we are truly grateful to everyone who assisted in making this possible.
“This accident has deeply impacted the entire team as well as the wider racing community and we thank you for your support.”
Michelle Payne, who famously won the Melbourne Cup as a jockey, issued a personal statement on her own Instagram.
“Thank you for all the (messages) of support,” Payne posted on Instagram.
“Our prayers are with Pete and the Southwest Company who have done an amazing job for so many years and our hearts break for all their family.
“A tragic accident and awful for all.”
Police opened an investigation into the incident and WorkSafe were notified.
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
