"A little bit dangerous" - Racehorse 'runs away with jockey' and gallops straight into trees

Punters had a shock when a horse galloped off the track and into trees during a race.

Harlem D'Athon proved unsteerable and decided to take no further part in the contest at Vichy on Sunday. Despite jockey Christopher Grosbois' best efforts, the joint top weight decided to go his own way during the 1m 5f contest.

The five-year-old's wayward tendencies came as a surprise to his supporters, as he had experience and was chasing a hat-trick. A step slower away from several of his rivals, the gelding quickly found his stride to take an early lead.

Wearing a hood, Harlem D'Athon raced keenly under Grosbois' guidance, as the odds on favourite Happyday settled in third. Coming past the viewing area, where a group of racing fans watched the action, the leader continued at an even pace on the soft ground.

Grosbois picked up the gallop as the seven-runner field navigated the bend onto the far side of the track. It was then, within seconds, that the stayer went from being in a promising position to losing all chance.

As they swung around the corner, Harlem D'Athon hung markedly to his left, as Grosbois raised his right hand on the rein to try and correct the bay horse.

But the erratic thoroughbred would not be persuaded – and he veered off the course at speed. Grosbois was a passenger as the son of Saonois headed straight into some trees surrounding the venue in Auvergne, central France.

Relaying the dramatic moment, the commentator said: "Harlem D'Athon (is in the lead) by a couple of lengths. Just a few problems with the steering there – and more than a few problems! Harlem D'Athon has run into the trees, goodness me!

"That looked a little bit dangerous but Harlem D'Athon has just run away with the jockey – and an experienced