THIS is the crazy moment an idiotic track invader risks life and limb by running in front of horses mid-race.
The man jogs out in front of 12 horses charging towards the finish post at speeds of up to 40mph.
Fortunately for all involved he got out the way before the horses thundered past, scampering under the running rail.
The commentator calling the action at Newcastle racecourse in Australia summed up the thoughts of those watching.
Luke Marlow shouted down the mic: “There’s somebody on the track – you imbecile!”
Reports from Australia said the invader was caught by police, although it is unclear if any charges were brought.
Punters were just as stunned as the commentator watching from home.
One said: “An inconceivable act #moron.”
Amazingly this is the third mid-race mindless act in 18 months Down Under.
One punter was charged with criminal nuisance for running into the middle of a contest and standing still as the horses bolted past him in New Zealand last January.
It was a miracle no one was hurt or worse, with jockeys forced into last-second swerves to avoid disaster.
One rider, Danielle Johnson, said: “He was lucky he didn’t get run over. Most of us didn’t see him until late.”
Fellow jockey Jonathan Parkes said: “Obviously it was a bit of a shock and I was lucky to miss him to be honest.
“It must have been about 12 strides before I sort of seen him and I was just hoping he would stand still and didn’t move.
“I had to decide which way I was going and I ended up pulling the right-hand rein and just missed the guy.”
A year earlier another racegoer, topless this time, ran onto the track at Cranbourne as the field turned into the home straight.
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