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Jockeys wear black arm bands in tribute to Stephen Yarborough

Jockey Dale Smith wears a black arm band to commemorate the passing of Stathi Katsidis during Cox Plate day

Jockeys across Britain on Saturday sported black armbands as they joined racegoers and officials in paying their respects to Stephen Yarborough, the stalls handler who was fatally injured at Haydock on Friday.

Yarborough was in his role as team leader at the Merseyside course when he was involved in an accident with the starting stalls before the running of the fourth race, which was scheduled for 3.30pm. An air ambulance was called and the remainder of the meeting was abandoned.

It was later announced Yarborough had died as a result of his injuries.

Veteran rider Franny Norton was at Ripon, where he said: "Those guys put their lives on the line for us every day.

"They are without doubt the unsung heroes of our game, they never get enough credit.

"It's very sad. I've needed their help on numerous occasions and they dive in to help without a thought for themselves.

"You know you are in safe hands with them and it's tragic this has happened.

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"You can only send your condolences."

Tony Hamilton said: "It's just so sad, I knew him well.

"They do such a great job those lads, without them our lives would be much more difficult.

James Hutchinson, clerk of the course at Ripon, said: "The stalls handlers do an immense job and it is hugely important what they do.

"We simply wouldn't be able to function without them, their roll might not be celebrated but it is crucial.

"All we can do at this time is send our condolences to his family and friends.

"The stalls handlers deal with some very tricky horses on a daily basis."

Saturday's evening meeting at Haydock was scheduled to go ahead as planned.

General manager Jason Fildes said in a statement: "After the tragic loss of Stephen Yarborough, we've discussed whether to stage this evening's fixture with his RaceTech colleagues and other parties.

"There is a clear feeling that having abandoned yesterday's card, racing this evening should go ahead and be dedicated to Steve's memory.

"Therefore tonight's fixture will go ahead and we will pay our respects to Steve. We will ask the public to join us in doing so and jockeys have confirmed they will ride wearing black armbands as a mark of respect for Steve's life.

"Again I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Steve's family, his RaceTech colleagues and all who knew him."

Merseyside Police said an investigation into the circumstances of the death will be carried out by detectives and the Health and Safety Executive.

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