Four race horses rescued after float slides off Sunshine Coast road

Four race horses left trapped after their float slid down an embankment have been rescued following a delicate operation by Sunshine Coast authorities.

The float veered off the Bruce Highway near Roys Road in Beerwah, 20km south of its Caloundra racetrack destination, deputy stewards chairman Daniel Aurisch said.

A trainer and four strappers escaped serious injury, while the four horses suffered minor injuries and became trapped inside the float.

Vets raced to the scene, only to find themselves stranded on the wrong side of the highway.

Police were called to assist and the vets were escorted across the road to tend the horses.

One by one, their patients were sedated and lead out of the overturned float.

Fearing a tragedy, stewards were forced to scratch Casual Choice, Frespanol, and Whiskey Allround from the Listed Ascot Hcp and Jetsonic from the Listed Mick Dittman Plate.

The float is believed to have departed from the Brisbane suburb of Eagle Farm earlier today.