The first race at Wolverhampton this afternoon was declared void after Thyolo was bought down inside the first furlong throwing jockey Laura Gray onto the floor.

As the remaining runners left the back straight they had to pull up as the prostrate Thyolo was obstructing the track.

Officials at the course, as well as the inexperienced jockeys, should be praised for their quick actions and for averting what could have been a very serious incident.

Emma-Jane Jenkins, rider of Lady's Law, has been banned for seven days after being found guilty of careless riding. She was deemed to have drifted across the course, causing the interference that bought Thyolo down.

Gray, daughter of former racecourse commentator Robin Gray, has been taken to hospital for further examination, it is believed she has a leg injury and that her injury is not serious.

Thyolo had to be humanely destroyed after breaking his shoulder..