The following photographs were taken by the senior picture editor - Peter Merkesteyn - of The Border Mail (Australia). They appeared in the Monday, January 9 edition.

One of Athlone's regular readers - Mal Hayes - purchased the images and after receiving clearance from Mr Merkesteyn, has forwarded them to us for inclusion on the blog.

The photographs were taken at a popular annual picnic race meeting at nearby Dederang on January the 7th.

The toddler in the pink hat was completely unharmed. Neither the horse (a 7yo mare that'd had 3 starts in 2 years), nor any spectator was injured in the incident. The stewards have reportedly insisted that the mare trial before it is allowed to race again.

Mal says: "I felt this to be a potent reminder of the ever-present dangers associated with these powerful, and sometimes unpredictable animals. I can only hope the parents of that child, and all who saw the incident, or the photographs, will never again underestimate the size, strength, and speed of the thoroughbred."

Perhaps, not surprisingly, the race club were not overly happy about the pictures being published.




Images (c) Peter Merkesteyn. First published The Border Mail 9/1/06.