“He was reliable and spoke very well to clients. He loved his racing, loved having a bet, and a beer,” he said.
Bourke said his five trucks operated all over Victoria, but the Paynes were one of his best clients.
The Paynes released their heartfelt statement on Tuesday, offering condolences to Butler’s family and friends, as well the team at South West Horse Transport.
The siblings also thanked Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, the Country Fire Authority, SES volunteers and members of the public who assisted at the scene.
“A special mention and thank you to the veterinarians and the entire team at Golden Plains Equine, we thank you for taking care of the six injured horses who survived,” their statement said.
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“We have now lost a total of three unraced horses, our heart goes out to the owners of those lost and to the owners of those who were injured and still receiving care.
“We can assure all horses received the best of care and were attended to ASAP, and we are truly grateful to everyone who assisted in making this possible.”
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne also posted a message on Instagram, thanking people for messages of support.
“Our prayers are with Pete and the Southwest Company who have done an amazing job for so many years and our hearts break for all their family,” she wrote. “A tragic accident and awful for all.”
Racing Victoria released a statement on Tuesday, extending the industry’s “condolences to the family and friends of float driver Peter Butler, along with his colleagues at South West Transport”.
“Our thoughts are also with the Payne stable, their owners and stable staff who cared greatly for the horses lost and injured in yesterday’s accident,” the RV statement said.
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