The new six-wheeled addition is based on a low frame height, fully air-suspended Actros 2536 ENA chassis, supplied by dealer Rygor Commercials, with the 10m body built by Oakley Coachbuilders, of Hertfordshire.
As well as moving racehorses between stables and courses, and to and from auction sales, the 26-tonner will carry mares and foals during the breeding season.
The truck’s 10.7-litre engine produces 355bhp and is paired with a PowerShift 3 automated manual transmission. LRT has also specified a high-performance engine brake.
The vehicle’s body meets the 4m maximum height restriction for Europe, and contains two beds, one in the pod above the ClassicSpace S-cab and the other behind the seats. It also has living accommodation, and 11 stalls with fully padded partitions which can be adjusted according to the size of each animal.
“Come rain or shine, we undertake to deliver our clients’ horses safe and sound, on time, every time. A reliable fleet is therefore of paramount importance, and that’s what Mercedes-Benz has always given us,” says LRT’s managing director Merrick Francis, son of former champion jockey and author Dick Francis.
The vehicle is expected to remain in service for up to 12 years.
Rygor and Oakley also teamed up earlier this year to provide LRT with a 13-tonne Mercedes-Benz Atego 1324, with 8m body for up to seven horses.