03 April 2024 , 13:51
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The driver of a truck involved in a road accident in which three racehorses were killed has suffered ‘life-altering’ injuries.
Guy Landmeier, 73, was transporting seven horses to the barn of Irish-born racehorse trainer Eddie Kenneally in Keeneland, Kentucky when his vehicle careered off the highway on March 25.
He had to be cut free from the wreckage before being flown to hospital in Louisville but three of the horses, with an estimated value of $450,000, were pronounced dead at the scene and the other four taken to an animal hospital.
One of the horses which survived, Vitement, has left hospital and returned to his owners’ farm.
Landmeir’s list of injuries include a severe laceration on his left foot, trauma to his heart, several fractured ribs, and two lacerations on his head, according to his step daughter Wendy Shaver, who has appealed for help from the racing community through a JustGiving page.
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“We live in Illinois, about five hours from where the accident took place and where he is currently at the hospital for treatment,” she said.
The wrecked truck and trailer in which three horses died and four were critically injured (Bardstown Fire Department/Facebook)“His spouse, my mother, has been by his side and she herself is 80 years of age and undergoing her own treatment for breast and bone cancer. Her strength through this is like nothing I’ve ever seen.”
She said Landmeier has “a difficult road ahead” and having to stay in Louisville for treatment would place a challenging financial burden on the family.
“It is never easy to find yourself or loved ones in a situation that one must ask for monetary support, however we find ourselves in a life altering situation that has faced us with this difficult task.”
In a later update she said: “He has 9 fractured ribs and the impact had damaged his heart. He is being closely monitored for his breathing and to avoid any fluid around his heart.
“So far it is looking better that there will be no amputation done on his left foot. Prayers are working!!”