Four horses dead and two men in hospital after lorry crash

Two men are in hospital and four horses are dead after a lorry crash on the A9.

The collision at Cairney Brae, around 2.45pm on Tuesday, near Perth sparked a large emergency response.

Two of the men from one of the lorries were taken by ambulance to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.

One of the lorries, which was stationary at the time, was carrying four horses. Two died at the scene and another two had to be euthanised by vets.

The horses were on their way to Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials, an equestrian event in Blair Atholl.

A statement read: “Both British Eventing and the organisers of Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials send their heartfelt sympathies to Nick, his wife and children, Sophie Hulme, Nick’s team, the owners and the horses’ grooms, and all involved with them.

“Nick lost Party Trick, while Sophie Hulme lost three horses. Heartbreaking. Eventing is a family and what support we can provide we will. We are grateful that no one in Nick’s lorry was injured in the accident.”

The animal owners issued statements saying they were “heartbroken” at their loss and thankful for the support they have received.

Sophie Hulme said: “This has to be the hardest thing I have ever had to write. I know word has spread about the horrific events of yesterday.

“I was not with them, I was already at Blair about to get the stables ready. I am so absolutely devastated and at a loss for words.

Nick Gauntlett said he is 'heartbroken' after four horses he was travelling with were tragically killed. — Nick Gauntlett said he is ‘heartbroken’ after four horses he was travelling with were tragically killed. Cascade News

“Three of my lovely horses, my precious babies are gone. Taken far too soon from this world.

“My beautiful Charisma and Feyre are gone and my lovely Fintan as well. I’m so sorry for Nick and Amanda and for their loss.

“The world can be such a cruel place. My world is completely upside down at the moment. Thank you to everyone who has messaged and reached out to me I am slowly working my way through all the messages.

“It’s going to be hard for a while and it’s going to be tough but the best we can do is soldier on. Everyone please give your horses an extra hug and kiss from me as you never know what might happen.”

Nick and Amanda of Nick Gauntlett Eventing wrote: “My amazing family are fine and that is definitely the main thing, but today we lost Party Trick and three of Sophie Hulme’s horses.

“You don’t need the details but we lost all four horses on board. We are obviously all heartbroken.

“Lucy Morgan and Asha Riches-Wood, the emergency services, vets and people generally were amazing. Thank you everyone for your words of support and offers of help. The Eventing world yet again proving what at an amazing family it is.”

The road was closed for around seven hours, eventually reopening at 9.30pm.