A routine flight turned into a heart-stopping ordeal for three jockeys when their light aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at Goodwood Racecourse on Tuesday afternoon.
The single-engine plane, carrying professional riders Rossa Ryan, Jason Watson, and Callum Shepherd, developed technical problems shortly after takeoff from nearby Chichester airfield.
'The engine just stopped'
"It was absolutely terrifying," Watson told reporters after the incident. "We were climbing normally when suddenly the engine just stopped. The pilot did an incredible job to get us down safely."
Eyewitnesses described seeing the aircraft make a steep descent before touching down on the famous West Sussex racecourse's turf track. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Miraculous landing on hallowed turf
Remarkably, the skilled pilot managed to avoid both the grandstands and the busy stables area, bringing the aircraft to rest near the far turn of the racecourse. The incident occurred during a quiet period between race meetings, with no horses or stable staff in the immediate vicinity.
"It's nothing short of miraculous that everyone walked away unharmed," said Goodwood's clerk of the course, Ed Arkell. "The pilot showed exceptional skill in what must have been an extremely challenging situation."
Racing community breathes sigh of relief
The three jockeys, all established names in British racing, were returning from a race meeting in France when the incident occurred. All three were reportedly shaken but unharmed and were checked over by medical staff as a precaution.
"We're just incredibly grateful to be alive," said Ryan, who rode a winner at Royal Ascot last month. "It puts everything into perspective."
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has launched an inquiry into the incident, while racing officials confirmed the track suffered only minor damage and would be ready for upcoming fixtures.
