American Thoroughbred industry participants with Magic Millions-purchased horses in training in Sydney, Australia, miraculously survived a plane crash in Far North Queensland Jan. 8.
United States bloodstock agent John Moynihan and his wife, Helena, owners and breeders Richard and Tammy Rigney, their 14-year-old daughter Madison, and their American trainer Phil Bauer and his wife were reportedly among the 10 people on board the flight that came down near Lizard Island, Australia's northernmost island beach resort, 240 kilometers northeast of Cairns.
It is believed that the entire group was on the way back to the U.S. on Jan. 9.
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Prior to the accident, it was unclear whether the group would attend this year's Magic Millions sale. The auction house's managing director, Barry Bowditch, was made aware of the identities of those involved Tuesday morning.
"They're great friends of Magic Millions, both Richard and Tammy Rigney and John and Helena Moynihan," said Bowditch. "I spoke to John this morning, and all is in order; they're all in good health and reasonable spirits. They were incredibly lucky to be able to walk away from a catastrophe, really."
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau reported that the small aircraft crashed on Lizard Island Monday morning after experiencing engine troubles almost immediately after takeoff.
Two rescue helicopters were deployed to the scuba diving and holiday destination to help the plane's 10 passengers, including the pilot.
"I think the pilot has clearly done an incredible job," Queensland Ambulance Services spokesperson Brina Keating told local media. "To walk away from something like that is just incredible."
The Rigneys, vodka drink entrepreneurs, spent AU$3.2 million ($2.14 million) on two I Am Invincible fillies at last year's Gold Coast sale after spending time at Lizard Island in early 2023. One of those fillies, Invincible Madison, ran second in a Canterbury barrier trial Tuesday.
