Stables worker killed at Kempton Park

A stables worker has died after an incident at Kempton Park racecourse in the UK on Saturday. According to the BBC, the groom, named as by his employer as Ken Dooley, was kicked by a horse during an evening meeting at the racecourse. Surrey Police had confirmed that a man thought to be in his 50s, had sustained a serious head injury and on-course doctors attended.

Shortly after the incident, it was announced that the fixture was to be abandoned with two races remaining. A spokeswoman for the police said the death is not being treated as suspicious, but the police will be working with the coroner and local authorities to establish the reason behind the incident. In a statement, the Racecourse Association said: “Racecourses do everything they can to provide a safe working environment in all areas and are equipped to provide the highest level of medical care and attention whenever it is required. “This tragic accident is a reminder of the dangerous nature of the work stable staff do day in day out, and our thoughts are very much with everybody affected.” Nick Rust, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, also said: “The entire industry will join in mourning over this tragedy. “We owe so much in our sport to the racing grooms who provide such first-class care and attention to our horses. “The love and attention that they give to their mounts is unconditional and comes with that small but ever-present level of risk that exists when working with large animals.” Related article: At The Races to offer spot advertising to bookmakers