A WOMAN is in a critical condition after a horrifying crash left a racehorse dead just hours after it won at Yarmouth.
A horsebox carrying David O’Meara’s Lincoln Pride was involved in a collision with a Range Rover shortly after leaving the racecourse on Sunday.
Lincoln Pride was killed in a crash barely two hours after winning at Yarmouth
The three-year-old filly comfortably won the opening 2.06pm race at odds of 4-7 under jockey Jason Watson.
It was her second straight victory after an easy win at Newcastle earlier this month.
But she was killed barely two hours later on the A47 as she was being driven back to O’Meara’s Yorkshire stable.
The horsebox driver, who is in her 40’s, suffered “life threatening” injuries and was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
The driver of the Range Rover, a man in his 20s, was also seriously injured and taken to James Paget Hospital in Gorleston.
The horsebox ended up in a ditch after the terrifying incident and Lincoln Pride sadly died at the scene.
The long, open stretch of the A47 – which links the village of Acle with Great Yarmouth – was closed for nearly nine hours.
Several fire and ambulance crews attended the scene of the crash before the busy A-road was reopened shortly before 11pm.
Racing fans have expressed their sadness and shock on social media.
One said: “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 posted: “Oh this is so sad, poor Lincoln Pride and the lady driving. (She) won at Yarmouth and was travelling back when this happened. I hope the lady in hospital is ok.”
While another said: “How very sad for poor Lincoln Pride & the lady horse box driver. I hope she makes a full recovery. Commiserations to all connections.”
A Norfolk Police spokesperson said: “Officers were called to Acle New Road 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 reopened shortly before 11pm.
“The driver of the Renault, a woman aged in her 40s, was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, where she remains with life-threatening injuries. Sadly, the horse died at the scene, as a result of the incident.”
Norfolk Police have appealed for witnesses.
