Two members of the groundstaff at Hereford racecourse had to run for safety after carrying out repairs on the track while the first race was in progress, narrowly avoiding a collision with the runners.
Incident During First Race
The dramatic event unfolded during the opening race at Hereford on Tuesday, a 3m1f handicap chase contested by four horses. After the field had completed a circuit, the two men were standing on the course, just metres from the landing side of the third-last fence, performing running repairs to the track surface. They had their backs to the obstacle when they suddenly turned and realised the runners had jumped the fence and were heading straight towards them.
Evasive Action
As they took evasive action, one of the men dropped his pitchfork before ducking under the rails. Gavin Sheehan, riding eventual winner Mahler Moon, had to steer his horse wide of the area. Fortunately, the race was completed without further incident.
Race commentator David Fitzgerald described the moment: “There’s a couple of groundsmen there very much in the wrong place, but they managed to get out of harm’s way.”
Stewards Inquiry
The stewards held an inquiry into the circumstances, interviewing the Clerk of the Course, General Manager, Head Groundsman, and jockey Gavin Sheehan. A recording of the incident was reviewed. A report has been forwarded to the Head Office of the British Horseracing Authority for further consideration.
