A STALLS handler has died after a collision at a Haydock Park race meeting on Friday afternoon.
The incident, apparently involving a collision with the starting stalls, happened before the fourth race of the afternoon.
Stephen Yarborough, a stalls handler with Racetech, was airlifted to hospital where he later died.
A Merseyside Police statement read: "An investigation into the circumstances of his death will be carried out by detectives and the Health and Safety Executive."
The tragedy, which happened shortly before 3.30pm, has stunned the sport of racing.
Stalls handlers are responsible for loading the runners into the stalls before the start of each race at flat race meetings.
Stalls are towed around to the various starts depending on the distance of each race.
The Racing Post reported Mr Yarborough was aged 60.
Jason Fildes, Haydock's general manager, said: "This is the worst possible news.
"I'm very upset for Stephen's family and friends and there is now real sadness among the whole team.
"We saw Stephen regularly in his role working for RaceTech. It's so tragic this has happened."
ABOVE: Today's Racing Post front page
A statement from RaceTech read: "Following a tragic accident today our dear friend and colleague Stephen Yarborough sadly passed away following serious injuries incurred in his role of Team Leader of the Starting Stalls at Haydock Park racecourse."
The Racing Post published a statement from John Bozza, CEO at RaceTech, who expressed his shock and sympathy.
It read: “Our thoughts are very much with Stephen’s family, close friends and his colleagues at this very sad time.
"Stephen was an experienced and popular member of the team; he will be hugely missed by everyone.
"We are doing all we can to support Stephen’s family and the investigation at this stage.”
A police spokesman confirmed officers had been called to reports of a collision between a vehicle carrying machinery and a man.
The Guardan newspaper reported that Kirkland Tellwright, the clerk of the course, had said “one of the stalls handlers has been run over by the starting stalls".
Haydock's meeting had been abandoned after three races.
The course is due to host another meeting on Saturday, which will be followed by a Culture Club concert.
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