Riderless horse rescued in two-hour operation after falling into ditch during race

Butler's Brief fell at the 15th fence of Uttoxeter's Cazoo Novices' Handicap Chase. Riderless, he then ended up in the ditch of the next obstacle. He was rescued and his trainer has given him a clean bill of health

A horse was rescued from a ditch after he fell into it riderless during a race.

Butler's Brief galloped away from a fall in the Cazoo Novices' Handicap Chase at Uttoxeter on Thursday evening. The Alastair Ralph-trained horse came down at the 15th fence, where jockey Nick Scholfield was dislodged.

As he got up, the sportsman tried to catch the 6-4 favourite, but he escaped. At the next fence, he slipped and tumbled sideways into the ditch before the obstacle.

Unable to get himself out, staff and vets rushed to the scene and then carried out a delicate rescue operation. Racing on the Ladies Evening card was delayed while they worked to free the stricken animal.

Thankfully, after around two hours, the four-time winner was released and could return to the stables.

Explaining what happened, Ralph said: "Butler's Brief fell and headed towards the next fence where he went sideways and got stuck in the ditch.

"It was a stressful situation, there were around 15 people all helping including four vets. They had to sedate the horse, dismantle the fence around him and pull him out."

The third race eventually went off at 8.20pm, over two hours after the incident occurred. Disruption to the race schedule saw officials have to take out six of the nine hurdles in the following contest due to low sun.

The final two races, a handicap hurdle and a bumper, were abandoned.

Ralph, who trains in Shropshire, added: "All the staff at the racecourse dealt with what happened very well. It was strange for a horse to do that. It took quite a bit of time for him to come round from the anaesthetic and he was then able to return to the stables.

"I'm pleased to report he is absolutely fine. He has been out in the paddock and I can see him now having a buck and a kick."

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A spokesperson for Uttoxeter Racecourse said connections and jockeys due to ride in the final two races would be compensated.

Customers who booked in advance will also be entitled to a complimentary entrance ticket for a future date.

"Uttoxeter Racecourse would like to thank everyone involved in last night's race meeting, including racehorse owners, trainers, jockeys, racing staff, bookmakers and racegoers for their patience while we dealt with an incident that caused a significant delay to racing and the abandonment of the last two races," they added.

"We are especially grateful to the racing staff, groundstaff and veterinary team, whose hard work to assist Butler's Brief made sure that he returned home safely."