There was late drama at Chelmsford City Racecourse on Saturday evening when the final race had to be voided after the starting stalls got stranded on the track with the nine runners running at almost 40mph towards them.
The jockeys were oblivious to the problem heading out of the back straight towards the home turn of the ten-furlong Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap, but thankfully none collided with the marooned gates after reacting swiftly to frantic wave flagging and shouting.
The tractor that was pulling the stalls off the course apparently would not go into gear and was unable to budge.
Chelmsford City Racecourse apologised to everyone affected by the freak incident.
“Chelmsford City Racecourse apologies to all the connections, participants, spectators and bettors affected by the events of race 9 at this evening’s meeting. The safety of all participants is, and always will be, our top priority. We are deeply relieved that no harm came to any of the jockeys, horses or staff involved. This evening’s incident is unprecedented in Chelmsford’s ten-years of racing, and although the racecourse was not directly responsible for what occurred, we fully acknowledge our role as the racecourse staging the fixture. We are committed to working with the British Horseracing Authority and our partners to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the events of this nature do not happen again. Forms of reimbursement will be arranged for affected connections; and they will be contacted with further information.”
Jockey Marco Giani said that there should have been a flag-man at each corner of the track.
