Trainer Brian Eckley fearing for his life after being shot at with rifle

Trainer Brian Eckley has revealed he fears for his life after a rifle shot he suspects was meant to kill him narrowly missed.

Eckley, 66, said the bullet missed him by less than three feet as it thudded into a grass verge at his stable near Brecon in Wales at 8.13pm on Tuesday, May 21.

He immediately reported the incident to Dyfed-Powys Police, who are investigating.

A shocked Eckley said: "I was in my stable yard just after eight in the evening when I heard a bullet rip into the ground alongside me.

"I could tell that it had been fired from about 200 yards away and aimed directly at me. I was quite an easy target.

"It caused mayhem around me. Two horses bolted, my dog dashed into the house and cowered in a corner, cattle stampeded close to where I think the gun was fired and a flock of birds flew from the trees.

"I immediately telephoned the police and two officers came to my premises a short time later.

"This was so close that I think it was an attempt on my life rather than someone trying to frighten me. Trouble is, I have 23 horses and 230 cattle to look after, so I have to be outside day and night. There is nowhere to hide."

Liberty Bella: winner at Hereford and Ludlow last season for EckleyCredit: Alex Livesey / Getty Images

From his Llanspyddid stable, Eckley added: "This has come soon after a drone was directed into my stable and scared the horses.

"I'm concerned that someone might be trying to finish me off or, at least, frighten me."

BRIAN ECKLEY FACTFILE
Age 66
Based Llanspyddid, Powys
Best season 3 winners (1999-00)
Best horse (RPR) Liberty Bella (125)

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: "Police attended a property in the Llanspyddid area of Brecon on Tuesday, May 21, following concerns raised by the occupier about hearing a rifle shot near them. The occupant was spoken to and advised to contact police should they have further concerns."

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