Haydock stalls handler in intensive care after serious incident

Racing was left stunned on Friday evening when it was announced that a stalls handler injured at Haydock in the afternoon had died as a result of his injuries.

He was named as Stephen Yarborough, whose fatal injuries had been sustained when he was run over by the stalls before the fourth race.

A statement from RaceTech read: "Following a tragic accident today our dear friend and colleague Stephen Yarborough sadly passed away following serious injuries incurred in his role of Team Leader of the Starting Stalls at Haydock Park racecourse."

John Bozza, CEO at RaceTech, expressed his shock and sympathy, saying: “Our thoughts are very much with Stephen’s family, close friends and his colleagues at this very sad time.

"Stephen was an experienced and popular member of the team; he will be hugely missed by everyone. We are doing all we can to support Stephen’s family and the investigation at this stage.”

Haydock's meeting had been abandoned after three races but it is expected that Saturday's card will take place as scheduled.

Runners were coming into the paddock for the fourth race, a Class 5 handicap scheduled to be run at 3.30, but were ordered back to the stables as an air ambulance was called for the injured handler.

The stalls were down at the mile-and-a-quarter start and screens were erected around the scene of the incident as the RaceTech employee received medical treatment.

Clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright said: "One of the stalls handlers has been run over by the stalls."

After the air ambulance had arrived to take the handler to Whiston Hospital, Tellwright added: "We have abandoned due to the severity of the incident and the police are involved, so the stalls couldn't be moved off the track.

"The police are gathering evidence and speaking to all potential witnesses. The health and safety executive are involved and we are going to have to learn what happened."

Police investigation

Not long after the air ambulance had left, Merseyside police arrived at the scene – on the opposite side of the course to the grandstands – and taped off the area.

As part of the investigation, the police began interviewing potential witnesses, including other members of the RaceTech stalls team.

The first sign of the problem came approximately 20 minutes before the start of the fourth race when members of the racecourse medical team could be seen rushing from the weighing room.

An announcement was then made over the public address system, stating there would be a delay to the race due to an issue at the start.

Tom Dascombe, who had been due to run Punkawallah, said: "It was about 20 minutes before the race and we had just saddled our runner and the doctors came running out of the weighing room."

The police arrived at the scene at Haydock

As the horrible severity of the issue became apparent, the racecourse executive abandoned the meeting, a decision that was sanctioned by the stewards.

Stipendiary steward Robert Earnshaw said: "Following an incident at the start, the racecourse executive informed the police, which they are required to do, and because the police were on their way to investigate the incident they took the decision that they wished to abandon racing.

"We've held an inquiry and facilitated the abandonment. The police are involved, it's very unfortunate."

The stewards' official statement read: "The stewards held an inquiry following a report from the starters that a member of the stalls team had been injured prior to race four.

"They interviewed both starters and the clerk of the course, who was representing the racecourse executive. The clerk of the course stated that the racecourse executive had taken the decision to abandon the remainder of the day’s racing as the police had been informed of the accident and were due to arrive to conduct their inquiries. This decision was sanctioned by the stewards."

Saturday fixture in the balance

A crowd of 2,400 were in attendance and, under the terms and conditions of the racecourse, customers were not entitled to a refund as three races had been staged.

However, general manager Jason Fildes said: "I'm sure we as the racecourse will be making provisions for customers to come again in the future."

Haydock is due to stage an evening meeting on Saturday, after which Culture Club are booked for a concert.

A tweet from Haydock on Friday night read: "Following the abandonment of racing today, currently Saturday's fixture will go ahead as planned."

The Racehorse Owners Association's raceday curtailment scheme also kicks in, whereby qualifying members of horses due to run at the meeting receive £100 compensation.