Video footage from Redcar Racecourse went viral on social media on Tuesday, Might 26, after a racehorse delivered a near-fatal kick to a steady employee.
Chloe Bridie, 25, touring head lady for coach Richard Fahey, inspected the gear for her three-year-old gelding Cameco Fever simply earlier than the Class 6 seven-furlong race. The horse initially appeared calm within the parade ring, however then all of the sudden shifted his weight ahead and viciously hit Chloe with each hind legs.
She utterly absorbed the influence and the pressure on her arms despatched her flying backwards, a number of centimeters from her head. Medical employees rushed to the scene and helped her, with screens blocking her view.
Disturbing footage:
The whole lot occurs immediately, so it’s a must to watch out.
A really unhappy incident that simply occurred. pic.twitter.com/OcqCBX4QWk
— Gnocchi🎙️💫 (@Niyazi19940601) Might 26, 2026
He was then taken by ambulance to a hospital for additional assessments, together with X-rays. Chloe Bridie solely suffered bruises and was despatched dwelling to get better.
The horse’s proprietor, Richard Fahey, later confirmed that each one assessments on the hospital got here again regular. Cameco Fever, carrying No. 3 cross and blinkers, completed eleventh out of 13 at odds of 9-2. The next day, Redcar Racecourse issued a press release thanking supporters for his or her considerations and saying Chloe had acquired immediate remedy and had acquired a optimistic report from the steady.
Why horses react all of the sudden in a horse racing surroundings
Cameco Fever’s blinkers restricted aspect visibility to maintain you targeted ahead throughout races. Due to this fact, a sudden motion from the aspect or close to the hind legs can startle a Thoroughbred with out warning. Chloe Bridie intervened from the precise throughout a routine stirrup and girth verify, a set off typically reported by race watchers. Followers commenting on-line mentioned horses count on approaches from the left and sometimes react out of concern when startled from elsewhere.
Skilled yard handlers commonly face such moments as an occupational hazard. Racehorses typically weigh greater than 450 kg (1,000 lb) and have explosive energy of their hind legs, making their kicks, even when calm, doubtlessly lethal.
Tragic fatalities associated to horse kicks within the UK and Australia
Ken Dooley, an skilled steady employee in his 50s who labored for coach Amanda Perrett, died after being kicked within the steady space of Kempton Park Racecourse in 2017. Emergency providers rushed to the scene, however he was pronounced lifeless on the scene.
Racing Victoria has confirmed a brand new demise at its Cranbourne coaching middle in 2025. There, a feminine steady employee was fatally injured whereas on responsibility early one morning. Authorities described the information as deeply saddening and launched an investigation by police and office security officers.
Circumstances from Spain reveal related dangers in equestrian settings
Elena Regala, 43, a present jumper from Navarre, died in 2021 after being kicked within the chest by a horse. The incident occurred on the Robledale Equestrian Heart in Zionz, within the Urtsama Valley, when horses have been being unloaded after a leaping competitors.
These shocking incidents remind consultants that warning is at all times important round racehorses and different aggressive horses. Routine work in parade rings and stables entails actual risks, regardless of years of expertise. Correct consciousness of blind spots and animal moods continues to kind one of the best safety for employees wherever they’re.
