Yarmouth runner crashes through rail before escaping across golf course

The Richard Spencer-trained Jean Valjean escaped serious injury but was left with cuts after crashing through a running rail at Yarmouth before escaping on to the adjacent golf course and making his way towards a nearby beach.

Jean Valjean was due to run in the 6f handicap but bolted going to post, with jockey Sean Kirrane deciding to jump out the side door before the horse ran through the rail and continued on his travels around the golf course and further afield.

The three-year-old gelding, who is yet to win a race, was eventually caught and returned to Spencer, who walked him back with his assistant trainer.

The trainer, who reported that contrary to some rumours that no-one on the beach had been hurt by his loose horse, said: "He's fine but he has cuts and hematomas."

Kirrane, who was able to ride in the next race, added: "He was wearing a visor for the first time and not all horses face them and he caught fright. He was not stopping and I had to bale out – that was better than going through the barriers. It's a shame as he had a little chance."

Richard Spencer: was reunited with his runnerCredit: Edward Whitaker

Speaking to Sky Sports Racing, clerk of the course Richard Aldous said: "The problem is we're a bit open on to the golf course and straight on to the beach and he went down towards Scratby, so my head groundsman and the girl with him in the truck and another lad were going for a run down the beach.

"I'm not sure whether he was caught by a member of the public but he's being walked back by the trainer and assistant trainer."

The race, which began 19 minutes after its scheduled 4.30 start, was won by Herringswell for trainer Henry Spiller.

Aldous added: "We got off a bit late. One horse who was withdrawn at the start, who got a little bit upset and is coming back in the horse ambulance, but they're fine, and the horse that got loose and galloped is being walked back."

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