Racehorse killed by car as drivers urged to take care

Knockalla was showing "lots of promise" as a racehorse, her trainer said

The death of a racehorse hit by a car has prompted its trainer to urge motorists to take more care when driving past riders.

Two-year-old Knockalla was being ridden in Lambourn, Berkshire, on Monday 30 September when she was frightened by a vehicle.

She moved out into the middle of the road as a result and was hit, fracturing her leg so badly she had to be euthanised.

Trainer Tom Ward said drivers needed to pass horses slowly and give them a wide berth.

"These animals are young... they can be a little bit unsure a times," he said.

"[They need] plenty of time and space... to react to things safely."

'Life cut short'

Mr Ward said Knockalla "had lots of promise".

"She had only managed to go to the races once... and her life got cut short," he said.

He said the car came towards Knockalla "at about 30 or 40mph" and went through a puddle, causing her to be "spooked".

The horse had a "severely" fractured leg and the rider, a 17-year-old girl, was traumatised and "sore".

"[The girl] took a bad fall and ended up in a ditch on the side of the road," he said.

"She has been back to work but not doing full duties."

Mr Ward said most people were "very considerate", but a "small percentage of people" needed to be more careful driving past horses.

"We need a mutual respect on the road," he said.

Thames Valley Police said it was investigating the incident, and that a 96-year-old woman from Hungerford attended a voluntary police interview.