A major motorway was brought to a standstill to rescue a racehorse stranded on his journey home from the track. The eight-year-old gelding Lion Ring found himself in a precarious situation on the M6 after his horsebox malfunctioned following a race at Wolverhampton.
From Racetrack to Roadside Breakdown
The drama unfolded on Friday, 3 January 2026. Lion Ring, known as 'Simba' in his stable, had just finished a credible third in division one of the Make The Move To Midnite Classified Stakes at Wolverhampton's all-weather track. The race concluded at approximately 5pm.
Loaded into his horsebox for the 77-mile trip back to his training base in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, the journey was abruptly cut short. Trainer Andy Martin, who was driving, sensed a problem with the vehicle. With the hard shoulder in use, he was forced to pull into a layby, leaving the horse and his team vulnerable on the side of the busy motorway.
The Motorway Rescue Operation
In a complex operation to ensure the safety of all involved, authorities made the decision to close a section of the M6. This allowed for the safe transfer of the seasoned gelding from the broken-down lorry to a replacement vehicle provided by AA Horse Transport Ltd.
Martin took to Facebook to praise the emergency response, calling them "rescue heroes." He wrote: "You were all amazing, polite, helpful, understanding and most importantly of all we felt safe and reassured all would be OK." He described the scene as "scary" on the busy road, noting the surreal quiet once the motorway was shut for the equine exchange.
Martin told the Racing Post: "I was driving, and it wasn't a great feeling at all when it happened. We were meant to get back about 8pm, instead we got back about midnight."
A Professional Passenger and What's Next
Thankfully, the horse at the centre of the drama remained calm throughout the two-hour ordeal. Martin highlighted Lion Ring's impeccable behaviour, stating the horse "was a complete pro" during the transfer. "Thankfully, Lion Ring is such a cool dude, he wasn't stressed about anything," Martin said. "He came off the lorry and straight on to another one without any issue."
He contrasted this with other horses he has trained, quipping that "one or two would have kicked the lorry to bits" if left in a similar situation.
This incident is just another chapter in the career of the experienced sprinter. Lion Ring has had 70 career starts since his debut in a Dundalk maiden in 2020. Now with his fifth trainer, Andy Martin, the horse's last victory came at Chelmsford in October 2024. Remarkably, after his motorway adventure, the five-time winner could be back in action at Wolverhampton as soon as Tuesday.
The successful resolution was credited to a team effort involving Highway Patrol Officers, AA Horse Transport Ltd, and E&S Motors Ltd, who finally transported the horse and team home.
