HAYDOCK STALL HANDLER DIES
RACING was abandoned after three races at Haydock yesterday after a horror incident in which a starting stalls handler later died in hospital.
The man, named as Stephen Yarborough, sustained the fatal injuries after apparently falling under the wheels of the stalls as they were being moved for the fourth race on the card.
He was treated at the scene and an air ambulance was called to take him to nearby Whiston Hospital.
A statement from RaceTech read: “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 Q of the Starting Stalls at Haydock Park racecourse.”
John Bozza, CEO at RaceTech expressed his shock and sympathy saying: “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 stewards held an inquiry and Clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright informed them the racecourse executive had decided 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 2,400 racegoers watched in horror as the incident took place before the start of the 1m 2f handicap at 3.30. Green screens, normally used for injured horses, were put up around the stricken man as he was treated at the scene.
The air ambulance arrived to take him to hospital and the racecourse made an announcement at 3.50pm that the remaining four races would not take place. BHA Stipendiary Steward Robert Earnshaw said: “The racecourse executive took the decision to abandon racing. The police were called as it was a serious accident.”
Haydock is set to go ahead with its evening meeting tonight, after which Culture Club are booked for a concert.
The track’s Twitter feed read: “Currently Saturday’s fixture will go ahead as planned.”