Grab your 10-gallon hat and scream 'YEE-HAW, Y'ALL!', because the rodeo was in Meath at the weekend.
More specifically, it was at the Navan racecourse before the 15:00 on Saturday was set to kick off as Himmah went rogue.
The horse bucked jockey Chris Hayes off before exiting the course through the barrier. It went straight for Big Bad Sal, knocking jockey Shane Foley off his ride.
Remarkably, Hayes got back on the horse (see what we did there?) and actually completed the race, crossing the line in fourth place.
https://twitter.com/AtTheRaces/status/866031689113378816
The incident went viral, reaching the highest status a story of its kind could possibly reach... the 'and finally...' TV news segment.
Melbourne's 7 news ran a lighthearted package on the incident sold as 'the Irish race horse who wanted no part of the three o'clock race'. The feature contained perhaps the most interesting pronunciation of 'Navan' you're ever likely to hear from the Aussie anchor.
https://twitter.com/7NewsMelbourne/status/866227380993404928
As for Hayes, well, he saw the humorous side of it.
The man's made of tough stuff.
https://twitter.com/chrishayes24/status/866020980451418113
Not a good look. Five Irish jockeys have been issued whip bans by the British Horse Racing Authority’s Whip Review Committee, following the Cheltenham Festival. JJ Slevin, who won the Stayers’ Hurdle on the Joseph O’Brien trained Home By The Lee, has banned for 14 days, after using is whip twice above the allowed rate […]
Your complete guide to the 2026 Cheltenham Festival The Cheltenham Festival 2026 promises four days of topclass racing from 10–13 March, and you don’t need to be in Gloucestershire to feel every roar from the stands. In truth, the best seat in the house might be your own sofa back home. With the live action […]
There is plenty of value to be had! It’s squeaky bum time for all you punters, with the Cheltenham Festival kicking off on March 10th. Every day and every race is a big one in horse racing’s biggest meet, and SportsJOE have got their hands on the best tips around. We spoke to insider expert […]