Chaos unfolded during Thursday's race meet at Epsom Downs when a dog sprinted onto the track and was almost crushed by a horse. Remarkably, the pup escaped unharmed, but there was certainly a stroke of luck involved, given it came into very close contact with the thoroughbred.
Incident during 2pm race
The incident took place during the 2pm race at the track in Derbyshire, with the horses just two furlongs from the finish. The small dog burst its way onto the track and ran right in front of the 10th-place rider.
The television replays appear to show the horse just making contact with the dog, but it wasn't enough to cause any serious damage. However, it raised eyebrows, given only assistance dogs are permitted on Epsom racecourse.
Stewards' enquiry and social media reaction
The stewards' report read: “An enquiry was held to consider the circumstances surrounding why a dog appeared on the track, approximately two furlongs out. The Clerk of the Course was interviewed. After hearing his evidence, a report was forwarded to the Head Office of the British Horseracing Authority for further consideration.”
There is a suggestion that the dog might not have belonged to a racegoer, but instead a member of the public. That's because members of the public are permitted to use the Downs, which is where the racecourse is located.
Unsurprisingly, there was plenty of reaction on social media. @biffboff2009 wrote on X: “Was watching the race very lucky neither were just goes to show what a good jockey I think the horse just narrowly missed it.” @Nixterr1 asked: “Why was the dog there in the first place?” @GarryLloyd1 said similar: “Why the hell was the dog at the track is the most obvious question.”
Race result and aftermath
Regardless, it is fortunate that the dog, jockeys and horses walked away unscathed, given the latter are capable of speeds close to 40 miles per hour. The race itself was won by Quite Cheeky, who was priced at 7-1 and trained by William Haggas. As a result of the win, owner TJW Bridge picked up a prize worth £7,000.
