Stalls handler fatally injured at Haydock

Stalls handler Stephen Yarborough has died after suffering serious injuries sustained in a incident before the fourth race at Haydock on Friday.

Yarborough was in his role as team leader at the Merseyside course when he was involved in an accident with the starting stalls before the running of the fourth race, which was scheduled for 3.30pm. An air ambulance was called and the remainder of the meeting was abandoned.

His employers RaceTech said in a statement: "Following a tragic accident today our dear friend and colleague Stephen Yarborough sadly passed away following serious injuries incurred in his role of Team Leader of the Starting Stalls at Haydock Park Racecourse."

John Bozza, chief executive at RaceTech, expressed his shock and sympathy, saying: "Our thoughts are very much with Stephen's family, close friends and his colleagues at this very sad time.

"Stephen was an experienced and popular member of the team; he will be hugely missed by everyone. We are doing all we can to support Stephen's family and the investigation at this stage."

The matter is in the hands of Merseyside Police, who confirmed "that a man has died following a collision involving a vehicle at Haydock Racecourse today (Friday)."

Their statement went on: "Emergency services were called at around 3.40pm to reports that a starting stall coupled up to a tractor had been in collision with a male employee on the racecourse.

"The man, who was aged in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin have been informed.

"An investigation into the circumstances of his death will be carried out by detectives and the Health and Safety Executive.

"Officers are urging anyone who witnessed this incident to contact the Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."

Nick Rust, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, expressed his shock at the news.

"This is a tragic incident and we are all shocked and saddened," he said in a statement.

"Stalls handlers carry out a brave and important job each day looking after the safety of the horses and riders and we are grateful for their work.

"British racing will come together in grief at this incident - we are one family and today we have lost one of our own. Our condolences and sympathies are with his Stephen's family and friends."

The stewards held an inquiry, at which they interviewed the race starters and clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright, who represented the Racecourse Executive.

Tellwright informed the stewards the executive had taken the decision to abandon the rest of the card as "the police had been informed of the accident and were due to arrive at the track to conduct their inquiries".

The Racecourse Association said in a statement: "Following the tragic news from Haydock Park we wish to express out sincere condolences to Stephen's family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.

"Stalls handlers are the unsung heroes of our sport and Stephen will be remembered as a popular and highly-skilled member of the RaceTech team.

"We will do all we can to support our colleagues at RaceTech and Haydock Park."