Police launch investigation at Haydock after stalls handler is run over and killed
Racing was in shock last night after a stalls handler at Haydock died in hospital from injuries caused by an accident with the stalls after the third race.
Stephen Yarborough, of Grimsby, was flown to Whiston Hospital near Liverpool and treated in intensive care, but his injuries proved fatal.
Yarborough, who worked for Racetech, was an experienced team leader on the northern circuit. He sustained his fatal injuries when he was run over by the stalls at the mile-and-a-quarter start.
The meeting was abandoned shortly after the accident by clerk of the course, Kirkland Tellwright, due to the severity of the incident and to allow police investigations at the scene. 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 of the starting stalls at Haydock.”
John Bozza, CEO 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.”
Apart from supplying stalls teams to racing, Racetech also provides the photo-finish equipment for judges and cameras for stewards on racecourses.
Because of the specialist nature of the job, many of the stalls handlers are former stable lads who have spent their lives handling horses and in some cases some still ride out.
Getting knocked over or kicked by horses is an occupational hazard but yesterday’s accident seems a complete one-off.
Last night it was still unclear whether tonight’s Haydock card, after which Boy George and Culture Club have been booked to play a concert, would go ahead. Under the rules of racing, the course has to make a decision at least two hours before the meeting is due to commence at 5.55pm.