A stable groom was taken to hospital after being kicked by a horse in a 'very distressing' incident at Redcar on Tuesday. The accident occurred before the fifth race at the Cleveland course, a 7f handicap, in which father and son trainers Richard and Peter Fahey were due to run Kameko Fever, a three-year-old gelding who was a 9-2 chance to get off the mark under jockey Ethan Tindall.
Kameko Fever, who was wearing cheekpieces, was being led around the parade ring by his personal groom when the Fahey stable's travelling head groom Chloe Briody approached the horse from the right-hand side. She took a grip of Kameko Fever when he suddenly drew up his hind legs and delivered a fierce kick into Chloe's side, sending her flying across the grass.
Video of the incident was widely shared on social media, although the clip incorrectly states that the race was due to start at Leicester. Punters expressed immediate concern for Chloe, describing the clip as 'very distressing'.
Richard Fahey said: 'It was one of my girls, Chloe, and she is fine. She went to hospital in an ambulance, they took an x-ray and everything is fine.' Such was the concern for Briody that Redcar racecourse posted an update of its own on the incident and her condition.
The track said: 'Thank you to everyone who has expressed concern following yesterday's unfortunate accident in the parade ring at Redcar when a member of Richard Fahey's stable staff was kicked by a horse. The staff member was attended to swiftly by expert medical staff at the scene, with further checks being carried out at hospital later. Having spoken to the stable this morning, we are happy to confirm that the member of staff is fine apart from some bruising. She will be back on her feet soon and we wish her well.'
