A HORSE died following an accident at a Mid Wales & Borders Harness Racing meeting in Presteigne.

Top Secret, who was from Clifford, near Hay-on-Wye, and trained in Builth Wells, was involved in a pile-up at the start of the first Baby Novice at Broadheath Common.

Janet Thomas, from Tregoes, also sustained a cracked vertebra in the pile-up, while Steve Lewis had concussion.

Gareth Bevan, who was driving Top Secret, escaped unharmed.

The incident led to the meeting being abandoned.

"With a small start gate, they all come together at the start and if one of the horses makes a mistake, it can cause a pile-up," explained Mid Wales & Borders Harness Racing press officer Maureen Lloyd.

"As with all races, we had an ambulance and medical cover on site, as well as veterinary cover and another ambulance came.

"It is very rare to have any sort of accident and Presteigne is one of the safest tracks.

"But at the start, you are going so fast.

"Some of the horses can anticipate that something may happen, but these were young horse, so they are more liable to make a mistake.

"Unfortunately, it's one of those things that can happen."

Up until the accident, the meeting saw a number of thrilling races.

The first Nursery race was won by My Amazing Grace (Evans Red Roses), one of the more experienced horses in the field who managed the conditions well.

Second was Immortal Jackpot (Williams Brecon), while Meadowland Olympic (Evans Newcastle Emlyn) was third.

Westend Kiki, a new horse belonging to Ken Lloyd from New Radnor, took the second Nursery race from Ithon Legacy (Hardwick & Jones, Llanbister) with Ithon JR (Thomas Llanbister) in third.

Three Novice heats were next on the card, with the first going to the local stable of Oliver Jones from Evenjobb and his own Zestthewayilikeit.

Second place was Rhyds Backchat (Elder Blaencelyn) and Forest Surprise (Miles Merthyr) third.

Tillies Larg and her owner Mark Evans from Brecon took the honours in the second Novice heat from Dan Rowlands (Talsarn) with Tommy the Dealer (Bevan Llanddewi) in third.

Purple Connection (Williams Llanwern) ran an outstanding race in the third heat to claim victory ahead of Touch of Chaps (Randell Ammanford) and Ithon Hannah (Bufton Dolau).

Chinatown Lucky, with new owner Gareth Bevan from Builth Wells, ran a good race in the first Grade B heat to beat Habberley Playboy (Johns/Gittins, Shrewsbury) with Makemeamillionayr (Weigel Llanddewi Velfrey) in third.

In the second heat, Brywins Jo Jo (Jones Ammanford), with trainer Rhun Wilson in the seat, won ahead of Brywins Lucky Charm (Jones Brecon) and Beacon Sorcerer (Bevan Llanddewi).

Meadowland Maverick has enjoyed a spectacular start to the season and another win was secured for owner-trainer Oliver Jones, while the impressive Tyssul Opal (Atherton-Rees) Narberth) was second and Jango Fett (Hitchcock Haverfordwest) third.

The first heat of the Grade A saw newcomer Infinatey (Jones Sennybridge), and driven by Mathew Tromans, defy his 50 yard trail and surge up the home straight to claim his first victory in Mid Wales racing.

Second was Lakeside Pan (Elder New Quay), with Wellfieldlifestyle (Edmunds Porthcawl) running well to be third.

People’s favourite, Scoobys Dream (Williams Brecon), who was partnered by Lynne Boxhall, took the second heat just ahead of the fast finishing Ithon Inmate (Price Brecon) with No Mercy (Weigel Llanddewi Velfrey) third.

The next meeting is this Friday at Lyonshall, starting at 4pm.