Racing: Escape for Holley

Paul Holley escaped with a bruised knee after an horrific-looking fall at Worcester yesterday. Holley's horse, Mabthul, was the clear leader when somersaulting out of the fifth race at the penultimate fence.

The rider was pinned under the horse after the fall and was taken off the course on a stretcher. Racegoers were relieved to learn later that Holley had been injured only slightly.

Mabthul also appeared to be largely unscathed, but another runner, Stir Fry, shattered a foreleg turning out of the back straight. Moments later, Northern Optimist dumped his rider four fences from home, and Hennerwood Oak followed suit at the next obstacle. The race was won by Nuclear Express.