A jockey riding a hot favourite swerved around unsuspecting groundstaff on track during a race.
Becky Smith spotted the trio when rounding the final bend in the Follow AtTheRaces On Twitter Open Hunters' Chase. Making a race-winning move at the time on Global Racing (4-5f), Smith was forced to pull wide to avoid a collision with the group.
Footage from Sky Sports Racing showed the thoroughbred horse looking at the workers, with his ears pricked, as he is guided around them. Carrying tools, the group dashed under the rail, with the course representative in a fluorescent jacket the last to move from the racing line.
Two of the workers appeared to have their hoods up as they broke into a jog.
In-running, surprised commentator Darren Owen said: "Approximately half a mile to go, two fences to jump and Global Racing is ahead of the ridden Sartorial Elegance – as the groundstaff run for cover there!"
A stewards' enquiry looked into the incident in the seventh race of eight on the card. Global Racing was well ahead when he made an error at the final fence and galloped 27 lengths clear of the runner-up.
The report read: "An enquiry was held into the circumstances surrounding why members of the ground staff were on the track at the bend entering the home straight on the final circuit. Becky Smith, rider of Global Racing, the clerk of the course and head groundman were interviewed. Having heard their evidence, the stewards ordered a report to be forwarded to the Head Office of the British Horseracing Authority for further consideration."
Racing fans were shocked by the incident, with one suggesting it would have been "mayhem" if more runners were competing in the 3m 2f contest while a bemused Twitter user wrote: "What just happened at Sedgefield with those people on the course!"
In the final contest on the programme, Brian Hughes moved onto 199 winners for the season aboard hot favourite Imperial Merlin. The John Quinn-trained runner drew nine lengths clear of Tommy's Fortune in the Free Daily Tips On attheraces.com Open NH Flat Race.
After dismounting the 30-100f, his jockey spoke about his hopes of reaching 200 at Perth on Wednesday. Hughes said he was "extremely grateful" for the support of trainers and their stable staff for producing horses in peak condition for their racecourse assignments.
If achieving the feat, he will join Sir Anthony McCoy, Richard Johnson and Peter Scudamore in the National Hunt history books.
"I think I have 15 rides over the three days (Perth Festival) so please God something manages to win!" Hughes said. "I think it's about 33 different trainers (he has ridden for), so I'm very lucky. I ride for a lot of good owners, trainers and I must mention the staff in the yards. They are producing these horses for me to ride.
"I'm just grateful that I have a lot of support from everyone."
