Hero averts Te Rapa disaster
and in danger of being severely trampled as the horse struggled to regain its feet.
In a split second Leadbeater, a 12-year veteran of the gate crew, had reached the rider and swiftly dragged her to safety away from the barrier stall and clear of any danger.
‘‘Just out of the corner of my eye I saw some white colours getting flung backwards,’’ Leadbeater said.
‘‘You knew straight away there was going to be a problem and I could see the horse in an awkward position.
‘‘I just managed to get across there before the horse came down on her and pulled her out underneath the gate.
‘‘At that stage she was in a bit of shock and quite dizzy from such a heavy blow, so it was a matter of getting her away from the trouble.
‘‘She came to a little then and was sort of saying about her neck hurting so I had to stop in mid-stride and keep her as still as possible until the paramedics could get to her.’’
Wenn has little recollection of what actually took place during the incident but she knows she has Leadbeater to thank for saving her from serious injury.
‘‘My filly was getting a little stirred up and I had asked for a man up with me,’’ she said.
‘‘All I can remember next is waking up as I was being pulled across the grass.
‘‘I blacked out again and came to in the ambulance.
‘‘I haven’t seen any footage but I’m thankful to Andrew and everybody who helped me.
‘‘It could have been really nasty and I feel very lucky to get away with only some minor bumps and a really stiff neck.’’
Wenn was stood down and was expected to be back racing pending the result of a further head assessment.
Leadbeater quickly downplayed his role as just another day in the job.