Photographer Breaks His Leg in Horse Race Accident, Captures Close-Ups of Horse

Michael Zhang

Photographer Cheltenham Festival

Less than a month after a photographer was knocked over by a horse and broke a collarbone at a race in Finland, a similar freak accident has just happened in England. A photographer broke his leg this past Wednesday after a horse knocked over the rail on the side of the track.

The Guardian reports that Cheltenham racecourse in Gloucestershire is now investigating the incident in which photographer Patrick McCann was injured. It was captured in the broadcast of the race by Channel 4:

McCann was standing behind the running rail on the side of the racetrack and taking pictures with his DSLR. A horse on his side of the track was forced into the railing as the group approached McCann, knocking the rail — and the photographer — over. The photographer did manage to capture (and later share) a couple of photos right before he was knocked down:

McCann, an experienced horse racing photographer from Ireland, was admitted to a hospital and underwent a successful surgery for two broken bones in his leg.

The racecourse says that there is currently no concern regarding where McCann was standing and that it does not believe changes are required for where photographers should be positioned.

Image credits: Video and still frame by Channel 4

, , ,
PetaPixel articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through such a link, PetaPixel may earn a commission.
Related Articles
This is Why Photographers Should Stay Off the Track at a Horse Race
Jockey blames photographer for spooking horse during race Jockey Blames Photographer For Distracting Horse in $1.8 Million Race
Shooting a Steeplechase Horse Race
Man with DSLR Knocks Down Rider at British National Cycling Championship
Discussion