In a shocking turn of events at Windsor Racecourse, a horse wearing a blindfold veered off course and crashed into railings, forcing officials to declare the race void. The bizarre incident left spectators and jockeys stunned as chaos unfolded on the track.
Unprecedented Scenes at Windsor
The race, which was part of a competitive card at Windsor, descended into farce when one of the runners – fitted with a blindfold to calm pre-race nerves – bolted in the wrong direction after the start. The panicked animal collided with the railings, causing significant disruption.
Race Abandoned Amid Safety Concerns
Stewards had no choice but to void the entire race due to the dangerous situation. A statement from the British Horseracing Authority confirmed: "After reviewing the incident, the race was declared void as the integrity of the event could not be maintained."
Jockeys involved expressed their frustration, with one rider describing it as "a complete mess" that put both horses and humans at risk.
Questions Raised Over Equipment Use
The use of blindfolds, known as "peek-a-boo" blinkers in racing circles, has come under scrutiny following this incident. While commonly used to settle excitable horses before races, critics argue this case demonstrates their potential dangers when not properly managed.
Windsor Racecourse officials have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with trainers and stable staff being interviewed about the events leading up to the chaotic race.
