Two spectators were hospitalized following an incident where a horse collided with onlookers during a race event. The occurrence took place at Cartmel Racecourse during its final meet of the season on a Bank Holiday Monday. The unfortunate incident involved Wbee, a 10-year-old gelding trained by Gary Hanmer, during the third race, a handicap hurdle covering three miles and one-and-a-half furlongs.
Jockey Alan Doyle pulled up the horse, which then veered off course through the rails near the penultimate jump. Prompt medical and veterinary assistance was provided, causing a delay in the racing schedule, as confirmed by a statement from the British Horseracing Authority.
The racecourse issued a statement acknowledging the incident, stating that the horse deviated from the course due to a veterinary issue, leading to contact with spectators. On-site medical teams immediately attended to the situation, resulting in two individuals being transported to the hospital for further treatment. Regrettably, despite receiving swift veterinary care on-site, the horse, Wbee, could not be saved.
Subsequently, the subsequent race started 38 minutes later than planned, featuring a runner co-owned by Tyson Fury. Sea The Clouds, ridden by Brian Hughes, completed 15 of the 18 fences but did not finish the course. The steeplechase event, named the Wicks Group Cavendish Cup, was won by Olivers Travels, trained by Mickey Bowen and ridden by Sean Bowen.
At Ripon, another medical incident occurred when Charli Parker fell heavily during the final race, a 1m 3f amateur jockeys’ handicap. Her horse, Star Start, stumbled and fell after becoming constrained over a furlong out. Racecourse managing director James Hutchinson reported that Charli Parker was in stable condition when leaving the racecourse and was transported to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough for further evaluation. The horse, under the care of Ruth Carr, was unharmed and returned to the stables.
The post-race report by the British Horseracing Authority mentioned an enquiry into the fall of Star Start, which was postponed due to Miss Parker receiving medical attention and being unavailable for interview. The investigation will be rescheduled for a later date.
