A potential catastrophe was narrowly avoided at one of the world’s major international race meetings when a protestor managed to breach stringent security measures and gain access to the track on Sunday. The Longines Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin are promoted as ‘where the world’s greatest meet’. Competitors from across the globe descend upon the venue to compete in four Group One races.

The event had proceeded smoothly as competitors assembled for the final race of the quartet, the most lucrative contest on the programme, the £4.1million Longines Hong Kong Cup. Local sensation Romantic Warrior was the overwhelming favourite, aiming to capture the trophy for an unprecedented fourth consecutive time.

The race had commenced when a man sprinted onto the course near the home turn, brandishing a banner.

As he dashed towards the centre of the track, he was tackled by the race starter.

Whilst a vet collected the banner, additional support arrived to assist in restraining the track invader on the ground and securing him until the horses had passed.

The race proceeded uninterrupted with the horses maintaining their path, as Romantic Warrior went on to secure his historic milestone under jockey James McDonald.

Clerk of the course Stephen Higgins said: “A man jumped over the rail and got onto the track to do some kind of protest.

“Luckily I spotted him and communicated to the team on the infield to try and deal with the situation. The assistant starter ran across and managed to hold him on the ground. One or two other people were helping him thankfully.

“They got the material that he was spreading on the track, off the track, and we took the decision to let the race continue because they thought they were far enough away from the inside rail. They went past him.

“Luckily the race was completed without any incident but it was a bit of a worry for a moment. I’m grateful that the horses all behaved and the right result was obtained.

“I imagine the man will be arrested. I don’t understand what his protest was but it’s not very sensible being on a racing surface with thoroughbreds.”