Race horses go for 8km gallop on mane road..

Trainer says it's a miracle no one was hurt in stampede

- NICOLA DONNELLY

HORSE trainer James McAuley said yesterday it is a miracle no one was killed after 17 of his horses broke out of the stable yard and ran 8km along a busy road.

Dashcam footage showed the terrifying moment the animals galloped towards cars on the main R122 road in Naul village, in North Co Dublin, on Monday.

They were eventually directed into a field by quick-thinking passers-by who stopped and managed to control the situation.

Speaking to the Irish Mirror yesterday, James, from Naul, said he was at a race meet at Gowran Park when he got the call.

He added: "It's every trainer's worst nightmare. I was dreading every single phone call, every update as I was fearing the worst.

"I am still in shock at how they travelled that distance on a busy road and didn't hurt or kill someone. All 17 were brought back to the yard but two were put down on humane grounds after suffering injuries during the harrowing experience.