Racehorse owners sue trucking company and driver for $3 million after crash that killed multiple thoroughbreds

A horse transport trucking company is facing a lawsuit following a crash that left multiple racehorses either dead or injured earlier this year.

A group of racehorse owners filed suit against trucking company Creech Horse Transportation, Inc. and driver Guy Landmeier in United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, alleging that the company and driver were negligent in their transport of the animals. The suit seeks not less than $3 million in compensatory damages, according to the Louisville Courier Journal.

The lawsuit stems from a crash that occurred on March 25, 2024, in Bardstown, Kentucky. According to the Bardstown Police Department, a semi truck hauling seven thoroughbred horses was traveling eastbound towards Lexington when the truck crossed over the median into the westbound lanes, striking the embankment of an overpass. Landmeier was hospitalized with a major foot injury. Three racehorses died at the scene, and the surviving horses were injured.

The lawsuit alleges that Landmeier fell asleep prior to the crash because he had violated federal Hours of Service requirements: “Creech Horse Transportation knew or should have known that Landmeier had exceeded his permittable working hours [and] was fatigued and was unable to complete the trip in a safe manner.”

The suit also alleges that Creech told the owners that two drivers would be sharing the driving duties and following all laws and regulations.

Creech has denied allegations of negligence, and claimed that the owners agreed to “limiting liability to $5,000 per horse in exchange for a reduced charge for providing transport services.”