Stalls handler Jason Cullen escaped serious injury after being trampled by a field of racehorses at Gold Coast racecourse in Queensland on Tuesday. The incident occurred during barrier trials, a feature of Australian racing in which horses run under race conditions for training purposes but without prize money.
Before trial 14, Cullen was seen walking in front of the loaded barrier and then stooping to the ground, apparently trying to retrieve something from under the structure. The racecourse commentator noted: "One of them might have dropped a whip. There’s an attendant out the front. And they’re away."
The horses were released and galloped off, trampling the prone handler in the process. At least two riders looked back as Cullen remained on the ground in front of the gate when they broke.
Video of the incident, the only trial not available on the Racing Queensland website, was shared on social media. Former jockey Kristy Banks posted the clip on Facebook, writing: "Gee I hope ole mate is ok." Others criticised the lack of communication, with one commenter saying, "No communication, no one saw him, Jock should have warned starter," and another adding, "Workplace health and safety. How wouldn’t you see him, he was a big boy."
Cullen later responded online to reassure concerned followers: "I’m all good guys, just a sore back! I’m still here working." He was advised by another respondent to get checked at a hospital, but he appeared to have avoided any serious harm.
