Valuable Yearling Dies In Horsefloat Mishap

Chronicle (Levin), 19 January 1948, Page 2

Valuable Yearling Dies In Horsefloat Mishap

, , , ,WELLJ;NfiTON, jan. 18. A valuable yearliug eolt by Foxwas and another by' Gold x^ib is not expected to roeover from injunes received in an accident whieh occurred on the Desert Road, 20 miles from Waiouru, short.lv after midnight on ± riday. The yearlinga, the property of Mr. A. T. Cooper, Puahue, Te Aramutu, were travelling to Trentham wheie they were to be auctioned on the third day of the national yearling saies on Meduesday. The surviving yearlings in the eonsignment have been withdrawn from the sale. A motor float driven by Mr. Colin Self, ti ansport operator, Te Awamutu, left Mr. Cooper 's farm about 5 p.m. on Friday carrying* six horses. Five of these were the property of Mr. Ooopet. About mid night, when 20 miles from Waiouru, in driving rain, the float eame to grief through the softened pumice road subsiding under the weiglit of the laden vehicle. One side of the float slipped about three feet over the edge of the crumbling road. and the float came to rest. on its side against a banlc. The loading _ side of the float fell against the banlc and it was impossible to release three yearlings travelling in the for ward compartment as the accident occurred about 20 miles from the nearest assistance'. The unfortunate animals spent about seven hours trap^ ped in the vehicle. The three travelling in the rear compartment were unloaded without Tnuch difficultv. They escaped with superficial abrasions. When assistance was obtained and the float was righted, it wag discovered that the Foxbridge'colt had been suflocated by his fcwo companions in their struggles to release .themselves.