Terrifying Footage Shows Man Risking His Life By Running On Track Towards Horses During Race

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.

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."

The man is due to appear in court on Monday.