Nick Rust among leading figures to pay tribute to Stephen Yarborough

Nick Rust led the tributes to 60-year-old Stephen Yarborough on Friday evening as racing came to terms with the popular stalls handler's shocking death on the racecourse at Haydock.

RaceTech confirmed the devastating news in a statement on Friday evening, with Yarborough having sustained fatal injuries when he was run over by the stalls before the fourth race.

The BHA chief executive described himself as "shocked and saddened" by the incident and said the sport of racing will be united in its mourning.

Steve Yarborough: RaceTech confirmed the devastating news in a statement on Friday

"Stalls handlers carry out a brave and important job each day looking after the safety of the horses and riders and we are grateful for their work," said Rust.

"British racing will come together in grief at this incident – we are one family and today we have lost one of our own. Our condolences and sympathies are with his Stephen's family and friends."

Haydock general manager Jason Fildes, meanwhile, said: "This is the worst possible news. I'm very upset for Stephen's family and friends and there is now real sadness among the whole team.

"We saw Stephen regularly in his role working for RaceTech. It's so tragic this has happened."

The Racecourse Association also issued a statement expressing condolences and said: "Stalls handlers are the unsung heroes of our sport and Stephen will be remembered as a popular and highly skilled member of the RaceTech team.

"We will do all we can to support our colleagues at RaceTech and Haydock Park."

'Lost his life serving our industry'

Other leading racing figures expressed their shock on Twitter on Friday evening, with Racing UK presenter Nick Luck writing: "Truly dreadful news from Haydock. So, so sad."

Trainer Iain Jardine added: "My thoughts are with the other RaceTech lads and Stephen Yarborough's family after the horrible news coming from Haydock."

Official Twitter accounts from a host of other British racecourses paid tribute, with Ascot, Chester, Beverley, Salisbury and Ripon among them.

The Curragh-based trainer Michael O'Callaghan tweeted: "Such sad news about the death of a stalls handler in the UK. Poor man lost his life serving our industry."

On Saturday morning Racing Welfare released a statement which read: "The whole team at RacingWelfare would like to express their sincerest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Steve Yarborough after yesterday's tragic accident at Haydock Park.

"RacingWelfare's charitable role is to provide support to the whole of racing's family, of which stalls handlers are a vital part. The charity's support is available to everybody working in racing inclusive of all racecourse staff, stud staff and stable staff. RacingWelfare also provides support to the families and dependents of these people.

Anyone who has been affected by yesterday's events will be able to access support from RacingWelfare. The charity can be contacted through Racing's Support Line, which provides a 24-hour telephone helpline (0800 6300 443) as well as online contact methods at .

The wide range of support that will be provided by RacingWelfare in this instance includes specialist counselling, advice and guidance for those coping with crisis, shock and trauma, and financial support for family and dependents."