Wild scenes at Warrnambool involving clerk of the course and riderless horse

The Warrnambool clerk of the course made a dramatic cameo during the opener at Warrnambool on Thursday, with her actions dividing opinion.

The clerk joined the field at the top of the straight in an attempt to capture the riderless Abreed who had dumped Aaron Kuru after appearing to run out of room between rivals with two hurdles to jump.

With no obstacles left to clear, the clerk shepherded Abreed towards the inside running rail, with jockeys travelling in behind forced to steer wider.

Tom Ryan on Jekyll'n'hyde had to check his mount to avoid running onto the heels of the clerk and riderless horse around the 300m mark.

Thankfully all runners were able to avoid the riderless galloper over the final furlong, with Abreed following the fence home clear of the clerk. 

Kuru was cleared to fulfil his engagements for the remainder of the card and will partner Vanguard ($6.50) in the $400,000 Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m).

Abreed avoided injury in the incident.

The clerk of the course's actions led to plenty of discussion on social media, with opinions stretched from great horsemanship to downright dangerous. 

Wtf was the clerk of the course doing there up the straight? #thebool

— Jack M (@westburngrant) May 2, 2024

Clerk of the Course at Warrnambool is a star. That was brilliant work

— Fatz (@fatzgorrie) May 2, 2024

I would say he’s got some explaining to do.

— James Jordan (@James_Jordan) May 2, 2024