30-04-2025
Chaotic moment horses crash through the railings at Punchestown - and one jockey gets hit in the face in dangerous scenes
A dislodged railing at Punchestown caused chaos for riders and jockeys taking part in the Festival's cross country chase on Tuesday afternoon.
Pre-race favourite Fralimonti Bilbery was seeking to gain an advantage on the inside as the horses were making their way around the circuit, but appeared to make contact with the safety railings as the pack jostled for position.
The railing had dislodged as horses attempted to cross the track to complete the course, with dramatic consequences.
Fralimonti Bilbery was one of the first horses to be impeded by the flying railing, with jockey Jack Hendrick hit in the face with the unwieldy pole.
The railing then continued to cause trouble as the horses continued at pace, with Rob James aboard Haggard also hit.
Both James and Hendrick managed to stay on their mounts, as riders behind them had to think fast to avoid being similarly struck.
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— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 29, 2025
There was chaos in the Kildare Hunt Club Cross County Chase for the Ladies Perpetual Cup
The first race of this year's Punchestown Festival was mired by a dangerous dislodged railing
The flying railing impeded a number of horses but luckily there appear to be no injuries
'It's Fralimonti Bilbery who looks like he's trying to get up the inside of Haggard here,' a commentator on Racing TV explained as the shocking footage was reviewed.
'They're crossing a road, and the rail gets dislodged - I don't know if it's by one of the runners up ahead? It's very difficult to tell by the angle.
'But look at that,' he added with some shock as the footage replayed.
Fralimonti Bilbery and Haggard were pulled up after the fracas, but it appears that both horses and jockeys were fortunately unharmed.
Fans on social media were quick to share their shock at the footage as it circulated online, with one dubbing the scenes 'carnage'.
'Amazed everyone stayed on,' another admitted.
'Jesus, that's horrible to see,' a third added. 'Lucky someone wasn't seriously hurt'.
In the absence of the favourite, 22/1 contender Transprint claimed first place, with Turnedupdevolume placing second, and third place for Knockiel Synge.
