DOZY Sedgefield ground staff were forced to run for cover after they were nearly flattened during a race.
Disaster was narrowly avoided as three staff members were caught out on the track while the Hunter Chase was still going on.
Jockey Becky Smith was in the lead and looked to have the race in the bag approaching the home straight on the 4-5 favourite Global Racing.
But both she and the bumbling ground staff had a huge fright as the otherwise straightforward race took a heart-stopping twist.
She had just eased her horse clear when the group, who were replacing divots with their pitchforks, stepped into her path.
At the last moment they heard the horse galloping straight towards them and they managed to duck under the running rail and out of harm’s way.
Sky Sports Racing broadcaster Mick Fitzgerald couldn’t believe his eyes and said: “The biggest problem for Becky here was not running over a member of staff!
“I tell you what I’ve never seen those lads move so quick! They had to be sharp to get out of the way.
“Whenever something like that happens, there will be a report sent to the BHA.
“They weren’t aware the horses were coming around again, but thankfully disaster was avoided.”
Racing fans were shocked at the near-miss but were thankful no damage was done.
One said: “Good job their was only three horses rounding the bend, would’ve been mayhem otherwise.”
While another joked: “What on earth were the groundsmen doing at Sedgefield?!”
Winning rider Smith, the clerk of the course and the head groundsman were all hauled in to the stewards’ room after the incident.
An enquiry was held and officials ordered that a report be sent to BHA headquarters for further investigation.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/charlie-appleby-and-william-buick-combine-for-yet-another-big-winner-as-templegates-nap-enters-derby-picture/
