Caulfield track workers in close call during race

Three track workers had to make a dash for safety at Caulfield after they were unaware a race was in progress. WATCH THE VISION

Caulfield track staff rush to get off the track as horses round the bend in race 7. Picture: Racing.com

Three track workers, employed by Melbourne Racing Club, were lucky to avoid serious injury in a bizarre scene during the running of race 7 at Caulfield on Saturday.

The trio appeared to be filling in divots under the inside rail when they failed to realise the Michael Walker Farewell Handicap (1100m) was underway with horses and jockeys bearing down.

Fortunately, jockeys Beau Mertens (Starlight Scope) and Tatum Bull (Mouse Almighty), who led the field at the time, spotted the men and raised the alarm.

One of the men commando rolled out of the way.

One of the men rolled under the running rail to safety. Picture: Racing.com

“Pretty bizarre, first time it has happened to me, so pretty scary,” Mertens said.

“There was three of them there filling in divots on the main track, obviously me and Tatum were leading and I thought they were going to spot us or hear us and they didn’t really.

“I had to give them a real yell and they finally heard us, lucky they were nimble and able to get under the rail but close call.”

Stewards will speak to the track workers involved along with Caulfield track manager Jason Kerr.

Originally published as Caulfield track workers in close call during race