25 March 2024 , 17:55
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Newbury Racecourse has issued a positive update on a person involved in a "serious medical incident" at the track.
Saturday's meeting was put on hold for more than an hour while emergency treatment was given to the individual. During the delay, horses and jockeys for race two were recalled back to the parade ring.
A spokesperson for the track said on Monday that as a result of hard work from responders, it is hoped the patient will make a full recovery.
Their statement said: "Newbury Racecourse would like to extend its thanks to all those who attended the BetVictor Jumps Season Finale on Saturday and for their patience and understanding following the serious medical incident which occurred ahead of the day’s second race.
"The incident – which involved a member of the racecourse’s medical team – required the supply of specialist critical care equipment in addition to that already available on-site. The individual affected by the incident was initially treated by the racecourse’s medical team before further medical support arrived on-site to continue treatment and care.
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"The racecourse endeavoured to minimise the delay to the day’s racing programme while ensuring the individual affected received the best possible care.
"Once it was deemed safe – and in line with BHA regulations – racing resumed with races run in a condensed time period to ensure the full card was able to be completed.
"As of Sunday, the individual affected by the incident was conscious and communicating and the Racecourse would like to extend its best wishes for a continued recovery."
The Bet In-Play On Racing With BetVictor Novices' Handicap Hurdle, due to start at 2.10pm, went off at 3.34pm. Races were then run at regular intervals and the action concluded 50 minutes later than planned at 5.50pm.
But all of the home straight fences in its final event, a Veterans' Handicap Chase over three miles, were dolled off due to low sun.
At the time of the incident, Mick Fitzgerald told At The Races viewers: "They don't want you leave the stricken person, they want to provide adequate cover to that person in recovery. So they are now waiting for extra medical cover to come because you need two ambulances following the whole field incase there are several incidents in the race.
"With those people involved, being otherwise engaged, it means we can't race. An air ambulance has been called, if it arrives, they can take over which will free up the medical staff to be part of the two ambulance convoy."