Photos capture moment TV cameras missed as jockey rushes to friend’s aid on day of chaos and biting at Hereford races

3 months ago 26

THESE photos show the moment a jockey rushed to his friend’s aid after a chaotic final-flight crash on a day of drama at Hereford races.

Ben Poste riding 16-1 Not Now Kanne and Luke Scott on 5-1 Whizz Kid both got thrown to the ground in a handicap hurdle race.

Poste is flung from Not Now Kanne in a dramatic final-flight fall[/caption]

Fortunately both horse and rider were OK[/caption]

Conditional rider Scott can be seen in the red helmet in a crumpled pile on the turf after his own fall[/caption]

Poste goes to check on Scott after they both crashed out[/caption]

Poste was challenging for the lead when his horse went down while Scott was weakening and looked beaten.

The cameras zoomed in to capture eventual winner Black Hawk Eagle as he cruised to the line under jockey Richard Patrick.

But these photos caught the moment the TV cameras missed – showing both jockeys covered in mud on the floor.

Fortunately all the horses and jockeys involved in the chaos were unhurt.

But that didn’t stop Poste from going to check on 5lb claimer Scott.

The rider was shown with his hand on his rival’s shoulder while a winded-looking Scott rested his hands on his knees as two concerned groundsmen watched on.

This flashpoint came in the 3pm race, not long after Sky Sports Racing host Mick Fitzgerald was left needing medical attention following a freak incident in the parade ring.

The former Grand National-winning jockey was helping Ben Jones get up into the saddle before the 2.30pm contest.

But then the horse, Ardmayle, a 12-year-old gelding, got wild and sunk his teeth into Fitzgerald’s forehead.

Describing the nasty incident, studio host Alex Hammond said: “You can see the horse has a little bit of resistance and clocks Mick on the top of his head.

“If you’re squeamish, look away, look away, because that is what happened.

“The horse’s teeth have just caught the top of Mick’s head.

“Thankfully the paramedic was there to check that all was OK.

“But yes, Mick – teeth in the forehead… that’s ruined your good looks!”

Thankfully Fitzgerald appeared fine, giving a big thumbs up to cameras as he carried on with his duties from the track.

Meanwhile, there was yet more final-flight drama at Chepstow races – described as ‘total mayhem’ by one viewer.

One trainer was left ‘absolutely gutted’ after witnessing the freak 999-1 finish.