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The wreck occurred about 3:15 a.m. in the northbound lanes of the turnpike in East Windsor, when the driver of the Sallee Horse van pulling the trailer of horses crashed into a concrete divider, according to the horse owners and multiple news reports.
Two of the horses carried championship bloodlines and both had debuted in thoroughbred races last month. One was the daughter of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah and the other was sired by Belmont Stakes winner Tonalist.
"While our drivers attempted to rescue the horses, it was not possible," Sallee Horse Vans said in a statement.
"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."
The animals were being trained by Christophe Clement and were on their way to his New York barn when they died, according to a tweet sent out by his stable’s Twitter account.
"We are all devastated by the news and heartbroken," the tweet said. "We are working to understand what happened."
Clement is a highly regarded trainer who won the 2014 Belmont Stakes with Tonalist. He has earned over $127 million in over 25 years as a trainer, according to his website.
Hot Mist, a 3-year-old daughter of Tonalist and the grade 3-winning Bustin Stones mare Hot Stones, won her career debut May 16 at Tampa Bay Downs.
Under the Oaks, another 3-year-old filly, was a daughter of American Pharoah and the stakes-winning Lookin At Lucky mare Maybellene. She debuted May 30 at Gulfstream Park with Samy Camacho aboard. After a bumpy start, she rallied from 10th to finish sixth in a one-mile race.
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