1 week ago
10
THIS is the bonkers moment a racehorse gallops miles down the main road after escaping the track – before being caught when he stopped at traffic lights.
Rufio was sent off 100-1 for the final race at Musselburgh in Scotland on Monday afternoon.
Ten-year-old racehorse Rufio escaped Musselburgh racecourse and was filmed galloping down the main road
It was a miracle there was no oncoming trafficBut after unseating jockey Lucy Brown at the fourth fence of the 2m7½f chase he decided he’d had enough and fancied a run down the road instead.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure.
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…
- Four free racing tickets, four times a year – worth £300
- Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
- Exclusive access to Templegate’s daily NAP
- Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
- Exclusive insights from top trainer Ben Pauling
- VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
- New customer offer with Coral
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact [email protected]
Showing he acted well on firm going, Rufio was captured on film cantering down the public highway towards Prestonpans, a small town roughly ten miles east of Edinburgh.
His number seven saddle cloth and riding equipment – including cheekpieces – were all still in place.
Incredibly, Rufio, a ten-year-old gelding trained by Gary Rutherford, was eventually found by a member of the public when he decided to stop at some traffic lights.
Musselburgh’s clerk of the course Rory Innes told the Racing Post: “It was an unfortunate incident.
“The jockey was unseated and the horse did a full circuit and escaped through the exterior permanent railing.
“The ground staff and everybody went off after the horse and he was caught by a member of the public. He stopped at some traffic lights.
“We sent the horse ambulance to bring him back, got him checked over and he was absolutely fine, as was the jockey.”
Footage of the incident was shared widely on social media.
And punters saw the funny side – while also being glad the horse was found safely.
One said: “If he was caught after two miles then they might want to think about stepping him up in trip next time out. Surely would be a steering job over further.”
Another wrote: “Imagine you backed him in the betting shop in town and next thing he’s legging it past the window.
“Nah seriously thank god the horse or anyone else wasn’t injured.”
While one comment read: “I think the main thing we can take from this is he handles firm ground.
“Joking aside, how the hell has he managed to get out the racecourse and go for a stroll around town.”
Rufio has failed to win in ten races but found a level of fame most of his rivals never attain.
Owned by Brown – the jockey he dumped off in the race – he has finished second twice and third three times, winning just over £2,500 in prize money.
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Bengali (BD) · 
English (US) ·