Newbury races issue update on person who suffered ‘serious medical incident’ causing huge delay to racing

NEWBURY racecourse have issued an update on the person who suffered a ‘serious medical incident’ that sparked a huge delay to last Saturday’s racing.

The action on the track was pushed back over an hour due to the worrying scenes.

PA

Racing at Newbury was delayed during the ‘serious medical incident’[/caption]

Horses and jockeys returned to the parade ring as medical crews rushed to the person’s aid.

The statement revealed critical care equipment had to be used.

And that the individual involved was a member of the racecourse medical team.

Thankfully they are, as of yesterday, now conscious and communicating – and it is hoped they will make a full recovery.

A statement from Newbury racecourse read: “Newbury racecourse would like to extend its thanks to all those who attended the BetVictor Jumps Season Finale on Saturday and for their patience and understanding following the serious medical incident which occurred ahead of the day’s second race.

“The incident – which involved a member of the racecourse’s medical team – required the supply of specialist critical care equipment in addition to that already available on-site.

“The individual affected by the incident was initially treated by the racecourse’s medical team before further medical support arrived on-site to continue treatment and care.

“The racecourse endeavoured to minimise the delay to the day’s racing programme while ensuring the individual affected received the best possible care.

“Once it was deemed safe – and in line with BHA regulations – racing resumed with races run in a condensed time period to ensure the full card was able to be completed.

“As of Sunday, the individual affected by the incident was conscious and communicating and the racecourse would like to extend its best wishes for a continued recovery.”

Nine horses and their riders had made their way to post for the 2.10pm novices’ handicap hurdle when they were recalled.

Just under an hour and a half later, at 3.34pm, the go-ahead was given for the action to resume.

Sky Sports Racing presenter Mick Fitzgerald explained as the scenes unfolded: “It’s a serious situation.

“It’s involving quite a few of the medical team here at Newbury.

“They don’t want to leave the stricken person, they want to provide adequate cover to that person in recovery.

“So they are now waiting for extra medical cover to come because you need two ambulances following the whole field incase there are several incidents in the race.

“With those people involved, being otherwise engaged, it means we can’t race.”