RAF pilot faces quiz over copter flight that terrified racehorses

The top-level inquiry has been launched by the MoD after riders at Ann Duffield’s stables were left terrified by the low-flying Chinook.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed the airman’s actions were under review after Mrs Duffield, and people who live close to her stables at Constable Burton near Leyburn, lodged complaints.

The National Trainers Federation called on the RAF to review its protocols.

“This has been referred to the Defence Flying Complaints Investigation Team,” said Wing Cdr Martin Tinworth of the MoD. “They are the RAF police. If they believe that there has been a breach of flying discipline, then it will be reported up the chain of command.”

He added that the Chinook in question was normally based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire, but had been taking part in low level training exercises from RAF Dishforth, which is located 20 miles away from Mrs Duffield’s stables.

A radar examination will help establish the precise course that the Chinook followed, and whether safety was imperilled.

Meanwhile, as the trainer’s work riders relived the ordeal, the National Trainers’ Federation called for total transparency on the MoD’s part.

Pointing out that this was not an isolated incident, chief executive Rupert Arnold told the Yorkshire Post that anyone working in equestrianism, whether it be racing or another discipline, would be perturbed by the pilot’s apparent disregard for the horses in question.

“We support 100 per cent Ann Duffield and everything that she has said,” added Mr Arnold who added that he intended pressing the British Horseracing Authority, the sport’s governing body, to raise the matter with the Government.

“I’m sure that there must be some guidelines about this. If there are not, there should be. If there are, they are not being followed.”

His views were backed by veteran rider Jimmy Bleasdale, a former champion apprentice who was riding for Mrs Duffield when the Chinook passed overhead before circling and flying back over eight horses.

The animals were petrified by the noise and turbulence emanating from the plane’s blades.

Mr Bleasdale, who lives just off the A1 at Londonderry, said: “It was unbelievable. He came over the first time, made an U-turn and came back even closer. The horses were hearing things rather than seeing them – and that’s very dangerous when you have young animals.

“It was a miracle that one of them didn’t bolt and end up on a nearby road. I’ve ridden on Middleham gallops for many years and old Hurricanes came over, but I’ve never experienced anything like this.”

Meanwhile Mrs Duffield, whose husband George won the 1992 St Leger aboard the mare User Friendly, says she has been inundated with messages of support since the Yorkshire Post published her account yesterday.

The trainer, whose owners include football manager Harry Redknapp, added: “If the Ministry look into it properly, they will see it for what it was.

“The Chinook can fly over once, but to keep doing it, I cannot believe that the pilot could not see us.

“I welcome the inquiry. George, myself and our riders look forward to speaking to the investigators.”

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