THIS is the moment absolute chaos unfolded during a horse race in Devon.
Punters watching the action at Newton Abbot were treated to a real spectacle on Saturday.
This is the moment a jockey and horse collided with a barrier at a fence
The horror incident occurred at Newton Abbot in Devon on Saturday
The race was eventually won by an 80/1 outsider
Race 5 – the Fudge Bassett Memorial “National Hunt’ Maiden Hurdle – saw several jockeys competing for top spot.
And with just two jumps to go, the sprint turned into pure carnage.
One horse, San Giovanni, shockingly smashed into the adjoining barrier as it approached the fence, sending rider Kevin Brogan flying.
The incident seemed to occur after rival Brendan Powell steered his horse Extraordinary Man into San Giovanni, forcing the beast off its line.
SUPER SPECIAL
Free bets – Get £30 football bonus when you stake £10 with Sky Bet special
FIVER FLUTTER
Bash the bookies on an action-packed Monday with these longshots
But Powell’s ride was short-lived too.
That’s because Extraordinary Man got spooked by San Giovanni’s crash and shook Powell off despite making the jump itself.
It set up a thrilling finish as the other racers successfully leaped over before also completing the final fence.
But it was a shock 80/1 outsider that took home the grand prize.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Holderday Ridge, running for William Kennedy and Claire Hitch, crossed the line in first place, delighting the crowd.
Powell has now been suspended for 14 days by the British Horseracing Authority for ‘improper riding’.
A statement added: “After realising that Brogan was improving his position to his inside, he [Powell] continued to ride an overly competitive line, causing interference when it ought to have been obvious that by riding that line interference would result.
“And contributing but not causing San Giovanni, who had passed Extraordinary Man at the time, to run out prior to the lead in rail of the hurdle.”
Meanwhile, Cheltenham Racecourse has begun talks with owners and trainers to extend their Festival to five days.
The Racing Post reports initial discussions over adding another day to the annual meeting in March are being made by the Jockey Club from 2024.
Read More on SE
WEDDING BELLS?
Daisy May Cooper ‘shops for engagement ring’ – 9 months after marriage split
VLA-SICK
West Ham ace in tears as Westwood is stretchered off after horror injury
In 2005, the festival was expanded from three days to four, and it’s been mooted for several years that a fifth day could be an epic money-spinner.
Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood are currently the only two five-day festivals on the racing calendar.
