Spectators looked on in horror after a man invaded the racecourse at the Wellington Cup in New Zealand.
Footage shows the man standing on the track at Trentham on Saturday as horses narrowly dodged him at full speed.
The man could then be seen holding his arms aloft after the horses passed.
Happy to hear that the man who nearly cost human & equine life during r8 at Trentham has been arrested.
- Jason Tan (@JSLTan) January 30, 2021
The vision below is graphic
It further highlights the highest danger of said man's actions given the speed & power horses travel at.
"Get offfff, you idiot", is audible pic.twitter.com/m8CSQYGyHd
What the actual f*** is he thinking? https://t.co/LfF4kMHNed
- Tim Michell (@tim_michell) January 30, 2021
Remarkably, no one was injured as a result of the man's foolish escapade.
He was subsequently arrested.
Champion jockey Danielle Johnson said: "He was lucky he didn't get run over. Most of us didn't see him until late."
A woman at the event, who didn't wish to be named, said the man jumped the fence about 150m from the finish line during race eight.
Speaking to Stuff, she said: "The guy was stupid. All the horses had to separate around him. It's more about the safety of the horses and jockeys.
"Everyone was yelling at him.
"There was quite a bit of outcry from the crowd when they were taking him away."
The man was also widely condemned on Twitter.
Te Akau Racing wrote: "Barbaric - he could have killed our horses and our humans - and himself!!"
Another said: "Horrific. Should be charged with attempted murder. Needs a big example set.. moron."
A third added: "Oh my lord what stupidity. He should be made to personally apologise to each and every jockey in that race. He put them all at risk. He should look them in the eye and honestly be told of how lucky they all are to be okay."
Siren sounds after race 8 @WgtnRacing, a crowd member ran into the track and stood still as the field raced around him. Incredible scenes. The idiot is lucky to be alive.
- Aidan Rodley (@AidanRodley) January 30, 2021
The man is due to appear in court on Monday.
Featured Image Credit: Twitter
Topics: New Zealand, Horse Racing