Two members of groundstaff narrowly avoided the runners in the opening 3m1f handicap chase at Hereford on Tuesday evening, prompting a stewards’ inquiry and a referral to the British Horseracing Authority for further consideration.
Hereford Safety Scare Prompts BHA Referral After Groundstaff Narrowly Avoid Runners In Tuesday Opener
Two members of groundstaff narrowly escaped the field in the 5:42pm at Hereford on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, after being on the track near the third-last fence during the opening handicap chase.
As a result of the incident, stewards opened an inquiry and confirmed that a report has been sent to BHA head office.
Incident Unfolds In Opening Chase
The safety incident occurred during the CopyBet Supporting UK Racing Handicap Chase at 5:42pm – the first race on the Hereford evening jump card.
According to Racing Post’s report, two members of groundstaff were standing metres from the landing side of the third-last fence on the final circuit as the four-runner field approached.
They moved away under the inside rail at the last moment, narrowly avoiding the horses.
The industry paper also reported that one of the groundstaff left a pitchfork on the course, with runners edging away from the inside rail to avoid further trouble (watch below).
Watch out, lads! 😬 pic.twitter.com/qhAdOzwmao
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 5, 2026
Stewards Send Matter to BHA Head Office
Racing Post reported that stewards held an inquiry into why the two staff members were on the course as the field jumped the fence.
A report has now been forwarded to BHA head office for further consideration.
No injury was reported in the immediate aftermath on the approved sources reviewed in this sweep.
However, the incident will raise obvious questions about racecourse safety procedures and track access while horses are in action.
Maximum Offers Lands Controversial Race For The Jamie Snowden Yard
The race itself was won by Maximum Offers, trained by Jamie Snowden and ridden by former King George VI Chase-winning rider Gavin Sheehan.
Only four runners went to post with two non-runners declared earlier in the day, with Mahler Moon finishing second and Edgewell third.
Maximum Offers won at an SP of Evs after being well-supported with the best horse racing betting sites in the day.
Jamie Snowden and Gavin Sheehan also combined to win the following 6:12pm at Hereford with Machete Beach, giving the stable a quick double on the card.
