Runaway horse escaped racecourse and made its way towards Prestonpans

The Virgin Bet Christmas Jumper Raceday was taking place at the racecourse in the Honest Toun, with doors opening at 11am. 

During the last race at 3.15pm, one of the horses unseated its rider, escaped the racecourse and made off towards Prestonpans. 

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The horse was returned to the racecourse shortly after and organisers described the incident as an “extremely rare occurrence”. 

A racecourse spokesman said: “A horse unseated its rider in the last race and made its way out of the racecourse.

“This is an extremely rare occurrence and fortunately the horse was returned unscathed to the racecourse by our ground staff after its short journey towards Prestonpans.”

The Courier understands that the horses was No.7, Rufio, with Lucy Brown the jockey who was unseated. 

The racecourse confirmed that the jockey was safe and well after the incident. 

Police Scotland has been contacted for comment.