Ten horses tragically killed after trailer bound for Clement stable crashes

Ten horses bound for Christophe Clement's stable at Belmont Park have died after the trailer transporting them from Florida crashed early on Sunday morning on the New Jersey Turnpike.

NBC Philadelphia reported the truck hit a concrete divider and Clement confirmed on Twitter that all ten horses aboard the trailer had died in the resulting fire.

A statement released by the transportation company Sallee said both drivers were taken to hospital after trying to save the horses, one has been released while the other was still being treated for smoke inhalation.

"This morning we learned from Sallee that a van carrying horses to our barn in NY caught on fire," tweeted Clement. "We understand both drivers were admitted to hospital and that all horses have passed. We are all devastated by the news and heartbroken – we are working to understand what happened."

The statement from the transportation company read: "This morning at approximately 3.15am, our truck and trailer travelling from Florida to New York caught fire. While our drivers attempted to rescue the horses, it was not possible.

"Both drivers have been taken to the hospital, one driver has been released and the other is being treated for smoke inhalation. Two horses escaped, one died outside the van, and the other had to be humanely put to sleep.

"We are working with the State police to find out the cause, and will stay in touch. We are sorry for what has happened."