Jockeys across Britain on Saturday honoured Stephen Yarborough, the stalls handler who was killed at Haydock on Friday, by wearing black armbands. Many paid tribute to Yarborough, with Franny Norton saying from Ripon, “Those guys put their lives on the line for us every day. They are without doubt the unsung heroes of our game, they never get enough credit. It's very sad. I've needed their help on numerous occasions and they dive in to help without a thought for themselves. You know you are in safe hands with them and it's tragic this has happened. You can only send your condolences.”
James Hutchinson, clerk of the course at Ripon, said, “The stalls handlers do an immense job and it is hugely important what they do. We simply wouldn't be able to function without them. Their role might not be celebrated but it is crucial. All we can do at this time is send our condolences to his family and friends. The stalls handlers deal with some very tricky horses on a daily basis.”
Haydock's Friday card was abandoned after Yarborough's accident, which occurred before the fourth race, and the course ultimately decided to carry on with Saturday's card in his honour. Merseyside Police said an investigation into the circumstances of the death will be carried out by detectives and the Health and Safety Executive.
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