Fire service called as Espoir De Guye has attack of the nerves on way to Ascot

Espoir De Guye was back home safe and sound on Sunday after having a panic attack in his horsebox on the way to Ascot.

The six-year-old chaser was heading from Venetia Williams' yard in Herefordshire when he became so upset that the horsebox had to pull over and be attended to by the local fire service, with an on-course vet from Ascot also dispatched to help.

Thankfully, the horse did not suffer any major injuries, but was understandably withdrawn from the 2m5f handicap chase he was due to contest.

Williams said on Sunday: "I'm delighted to say he's okay. I wasn't there but I understand he travelled to the course extremely well but then seemed to have a panic attack. But he's trotted up sound today.

Venetia Williams: 'I'm delighted to say he's okay.'Credit: Harry Trump

"The fire service were involved, they had to remove the partition [in the horsebox]. It happened when they were just going round the ring road at Bracknell."

The chaser has thrived since joining Williams from France, winning his last two starts, the more recent of which came at Ascot last month.

Watch Espoir De Guye win at Ascot

Ascot clerk of the course Chris Stickels said of the incident on Saturday: "Our vet went to meet them and the horse was boxed back here with some superficial wounds but he's fine to go home.

"We have at least four vets here every raceday, so had one available to go and assist."

Other troubled journeys:

Dunlop runner escapes unhurt after horsebox catches fire at Goodwood

Relief for Hammond after Guest comes the rescue as horsebox breaks down

Bastiman says she and her team are fine following horsebox collision

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