AP McCoy: "My horse was pretty roughed up"

Champion jockey tells Newburytoday that he tried to calm Kid Cassidy after horror at racecourse

CHAMPION jockey Tony (AP) McCoy has told Newburytoday.co.uk of the aftermath of Saturday's Newbury Racecourse drama.

Meanwhile results of post mortem tests on the two horses that collapsed and died at Newbury Racecourse are expected this afternoon (Monday).

The incident happened in the parade ring prior to the race when the horses - Marching Song, trained by Andy Turnell and Fenix Two trained by Jonjo O'Neill - are said to have reared up before collapsing and dying.

Witnesses said Lambourn jockey Tony McCoy had led his horse, Kid Cassidy, from the traps, only for the horse to be ‘spooked' by something and that other horses appeared jittery for no apparent reason.

Lambourn trainer Nicky Henderson quickly withdrew Kid Cassidy saying that the animal was lucky to be alive. The novice hurdle race went ahead more than 20 minutes late.

McCoy (pictured leaving the racecourse on Saturday) said he did not see the drama first hand but added: “Kid Cassidy apparently stumbled before going into the parade ring. He seemed pretty roughed up so I decided to take him to the start early to try to calm him down - he seemed pretty worked up by it all.”

After being pulled from the race, said McCoy, Kid Cassidy was given a veterinary check which suggested his heart was fine.

He said he hoped that Kid Cassidy would not suffer any lasting ill effects, adding: “He's a good horse.”

McCoy went on: “At the end of the day, (racecourse management) made the right call to end the racing. When they were made aware that it was unsafe they had no coice but they handled it well.

Mr Henderson said afterwards: “I'm satisfied with the talks I've had. It seems pretty conclusive that electrocution was to blame. They've found an old cable which was thought to have been dead but obviously was not.”

Operations Director for Southern Electric Power Distribution, Stuart Hogarth, said: “Following Saturday's unprecedented event, a full investigation is already underway. A section of electricity cable has been removed from the paddock area for further detailed inspection.

“Our initial on-site investigations last night confirm there was no danger to the public.”

Joint Managing Director of Newbury Racecourse, Stephen Higgins, said: “We will wait for further information to be provided to us by Southern Electric Power Distribution who we are in daily contact with.

“We have been re-assured that the site is safe and we hope that the final results of this investigation will be established as soon as possible.”

The racecourse management added: “Once again, we extend all our condolences to the connections of those horses affected”.

Investigators probing the “unprecedented” have removed a suspect cable.

Racegoers who attended Saturday's raceday are entitled to a full refund on tickets. Customers who bought hospitality or restaurant packages should call the racecourse on 01635 40015.

Customers who purchased any tickets on the day are required to send their tickets along with a self addressed envelope to: Newbury Racecourse, The Racecourse, Newbury, Berkshire

RG14 7NZ.