
Conditional jockey Gearoid Harney had a close call at Market Rasen on Friday when he narrowly avoided a serious incident while jogging on the track during a live race.
Harney, who later won the Listed mares’ bumper on the same card, was jogging in a grey and black tracksuit with his hood up when the field in the 2m5ยฝf veterans’ handicap chase passed him twiceโfirst along the back straight and then again on the downhill run approaching the home stretch. Fortunately, Harney was positioned tight against the inside rail as the runners took the final bend wide, avoiding a potentially dangerous collision. The race, which was broadcast on ITV4, was won by The Flier Begley.
“I had my headphones in and thought it was a split bend at the top,” Harney explained. “I was mistaken but thankfully there was no harm done. It was close enough and too close for comfort. I don’t think they’ll be forgetting that one in a hurry.”
The stewards conducted an inquiry into the incident, listened to Harney’s account, and issued a reminder about his responsibilities.
Harneyโs day took a brighter turn later when he secured his most significant career win aboard 16-1 shot Kingston Queen, trained by his boss David Pipe. The pair just held off the fast-finishing Charisma Cat to win by a neck in the final strides, marking Harney’s 21st victory.
“I couldn’t claim in the race, and I can’t thank David enough for giving me the opportunity to ride her,” said Harney.
“It’s brilliant she’s been able to get a bit of black type. She’s very tough and straightforward. She’s learning all the time and hopefully she’ll keep improving. Whatever she can do in bumpers can only stand her in good stead going forward over hurdles and up in trip.”