21 June 2023 , 18:04
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A steward remains in hospital with head injuries after he was kicked by a horse in a freak accident on the opening day of Royal Ascot.
The man, who was working at Ascot through a security agency, was knocked unconscious ahead of the second race, which was attended by the King and Queen. Spectators screamed in shock and feared for the man's life, when the two-year old kicked out its back legs while walking around the pre-parade ring.
Before being rushed to hospital, the injured steward was manning the stairs to the owners and trainers' restaurant.
After being unconscious for a period, he is now at a London hospital and expected to make a full recovery. One eyewitness told the Telegraph they were "so worried for his life" as officials put up screens around him while paramedics attempted to revive him.
A spokesperson for Royal Ascot added: "A member of the stewarding team was kicked in the pre-parade ring prior to the second race on Tuesday. He was taken to hospital for assessment and remains under further care."
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It is not believed any member of the Royal Family witnessed the incident, which is said to have taken place just before 3pm on Tuesday.
This week marks the first Royal Ascot event since the death of Queen Elizabeth II last September. The first day most notably saw Paddington win the Prince of Wales' Stakes, giving trainer Aidan O'Brien a record 83rd victory.
Frankie Dettori then rode his first winner at his final Royal Ascot aboard Gregory in the Queen's Vase on day two. After claiming his 78th victory at the meeting, the legendary Italian jockey admitted that he felt "happy but sad" ahead of his retirement later this year.
Frankie Dettori was a winner on day two of Royal Ascot (Tom Dulat/Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse)"I thought the winner was never going to come this year, I had three seconds yesterday and I thought this would be my best chance," Dettori said after his win.
"I was in front for a long time and when Oisin [Murphy, who was riding Saint George] came I thought 'oh no, not again' but credit to the horse he really stuck his neck out and he was great. It's my last Royal Ascot so to ride a winner is fantastic.
"The reception I got was amazing, I couldn't be happier. I'm both sad and happy but I've got three more days and at least I've got on the board."