How Critta McMullen stopped the Sha Tin protester

On Sunday night at Sha Tin Romantic Warrior completed a remarkable achievement, winning his fourth straight Group 1 Hong Kong Cup.

However, the superstar’s historic victory was tainted by a protester who stormed the Sha Tin track while the horses were still running the race.

Luckily, the Assistant Race Starter at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Critta McMullen, quickly ran onto the track, tackling the protester to the ground and restraining him as the horses ran by.

McMullen joined SENTrack & RSN’s Giddy Up to explain what happened.

“We were watching the race, then we heard the crowd making a bit of noise, so we turned around and old mate was on the track,” McMullen explained.

“So, a couple of us got together and acted quite quickly, and got the situation under control as best as we could.

“My last recollection of seeing the horses on the big screen, they were in the back straight. So, it couldn't have been too long before they were swinging for home.”

McMullen was able to tackle the protester near the outside rail, giving the horses enough space to run past safely.

The Assistant Race Starter admitted they were lucky with how the crew was able to restrain the man in such a position on the course.

“I think we got a bit lucky,” McMullen said.

“In that, we're able to get hold of him a bit wider out on the track.

“It might have been a different story if he was a bit closer to the inside rail and we (would’ve) had to drag him away.

“Just where he was, we could sort of sit motionless and not be a danger.

“Our main priority is always the horses and the jockeys.

“We were able to ensure their safety in this particular occasion, but whatever the situation is, our highest priority is always the horses and the jockeys.”

McMullen was hailed as a “bloody hero” by Gareth Hall for saving the race and avoiding a potential tragedy.