‘I’ve never seen that’ Horrifying moment horse slaps jockey William Buick in the face, leaving him needing medical treatment for his deplorable act
In the high-stakes world of horse racing, where split-second decisions and unpredictable animals define the sport, few incidents capture the raw danger quite like what unfolded at Epsom Downs on Derby Day in June 2022. Leading jockey William Buick, one of the most accomplished riders in British flat racing, found himself at the center of a shocking and chaotic moment that left commentators and fans alike stunned.
As the field prepared for the opening race of the prestigious meeting, a neighboring horse delivered a powerful blow directly to Buick’s face, an event so unusual that one observer famously remarked, “I’ve never seen that.”
The incident occurred in the starting stalls just moments before the gates flew open for the Cazoo Handicap, a competitive contest that kicked off the card on what is traditionally one of the most glamorous days in the racing calendar. Buick was aboard Blue Trail, a well-fancied contender trained by the powerful Godolphin operation under Charlie Appleby. Positioned in his stall, the jockey was calm and focused, helmet secured, awaiting the starter’s signal. In the adjacent stall stood Approachability, a horse known for its occasionally unpredictable behavior.
Without warning, Approachability reared violently and swung its head sharply to the side. The motion connected squarely with Buick’s helmet and face, delivering a forceful impact that echoed through the stalls. The blow was captured on overhead cameras, showing the horse’s head whipping across in a swift, almost whip-like motion that commentators later described as a “slap” or heavy strike. Buick, caught completely off guard, reeled backward, momentarily dazed as he clutched at the stall framework to steady himself. His balance disrupted, he was no longer fully mounted on Blue Trail when the starter released the field seconds later.
The gates opened, and the race began in a blur of motion. Blue Trail, riderless, bolted forward with the pack before veering off course, eventually pulled up safely but declared a non-runner for betting purposes. Buick, still recovering from the impact, was unable to participate. The scene drew immediate concern from those on track. Medical staff rushed to assess the jockey, who appeared shaken but composed despite the force of the hit. Racing protocol demands thorough checks after any head injury, and Buick underwent examination on site.
Reports from the time indicate that the blow landed on his helmet, which absorbed much of the force and likely prevented more serious consequences. Trainer Charlie Appleby, watching anxiously from the sidelines, later expressed relief, noting, “He’s okay and thankfully he had that hat on.” The protective headgear, mandatory in the sport, proved its worth once again in averting potential disaster. After clearance from the doctors, Buick was passed fit to continue riding for the remainder of the day, including his mount in the feature race, the Epsom Derby itself aboard Nations Pride.
The aftermath sparked widespread discussion across the racing community. Stewards launched an inquiry into the starting procedure, interviewing officials involved. Their findings acknowledged that Approachability had thrown its head leftward, striking Buick and temporarily incapacitating him. This left him distributing his weight unevenly onto the stall’s running board, meaning he was not properly aboard when the start was effected. The starter’s decision to release the gates was described in some quarters as a “very bad mistake,” highlighting the razor-thin margins in such high-pressure environments.
Buick himself later spoke to media, describing the moment as disorienting and emphasizing how quickly everything had unfolded.
The phrase “I’ve never seen that” captured the sentiment perfectly, uttered in disbelief by commentators and shared widely in headlines. It underscored the rarity of the event—no routine mishap like a horse refusing to load or a jockey losing an iron, but a direct, forceful contact from one animal to a human in the confined space of the stalls. Videos of the incident circulated rapidly online, amassing views as fans debated the dangers inherent in the sport and praised the quick response of medical teams.
For Buick, a champion jockey with multiple Classic wins to his name, the episode was a stark reminder of the physical risks he faces daily. Yet his resilience shone through. Cleared to ride, he went on to complete his commitments, finishing eighth in the Derby before securing a winner later on the card. The incident did not derail his season; if anything, it highlighted his professionalism under pressure. Godolphin and Appleby stood by their rider, and the episode faded into racing folklore as one of those unpredictable moments that define the sport’s thrill and peril.
Horse racing has always balanced spectacle with inherent danger. Animals weighing over half a ton, traveling at speeds exceeding 40 miles per hour, guided by humans in silk colors—the combination invites occasional chaos. Incidents like this prompt ongoing reviews of safety measures, from stall design to starter protocols, all aimed at minimizing risks without diminishing the excitement. In this case, the helmet’s role was crucial, reinforcing why such equipment is non-negotiable.
Years on, the clip still surfaces occasionally in compilations of dramatic racing moments, a testament to its impact. Buick has continued to thrive, adding to his tally of victories and maintaining his status as one of the sport’s elite. For those who witnessed it live or via replay, the memory lingers: a horrifying instant where man and beast collided in the most unexpected way, leaving a top jockey requiring medical attention yet emerging relatively unscathed.
It serves as a vivid illustration that even in a sport built on control and precision, the unpredictable can strike in an heartbeat—and when it does, resilience and preparation make all the difference.
