Kangaroo Disrupts Horse Race, Jockeys Avoid Injury at Warren NSW

A kangaroo caused a dramatic and potentially dangerous moment during the opening race of a 9-race program at Warren, New South Wales, when it bounded onto the track around the 1400m mark, narrowly avoiding contact with several horses and jockeys. The incident occurred during the 2400m Benchmark 58 Stayers Handicap, where jockey Jake Pracey Holmes and his mount, Will To Excel, remained composed and went on to win the race. The kangaroo's unexpected appearance startled the field but did not result in any accidents, with officials quickly inspecting the track afterward to ensure safety for the remaining races. This is not the first time such an event has occurred in Australian horse racing, highlighting the occasional challenge posed by native wildlife on racecourses. The horses Joshua and Instead finished second and third respectively, with jockeys and trainers expressing relief that no harm came from the close encounter. Video footage of the incident is available on Racing NSW's website and other media outlets.