Mallard with six eggs disrupts Sedgefield race meeting

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-22527851

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Runners and riders had to be diverted from a fence at Sedgefield Racecourse after a mallard's nest with six eggs in it was discovered.

Officials altered the race route after finding the mother-to-be and her nest on the sixth fence at the County Durham course.

Clerk of the Course Phil Tuck said: "It would have been impossible to jump it safely so we bypassed the fence."

The next meeting at Sedgefield takes place on 27 August.

Mr Tuck added: "The break until the next race meeting should give the mallard plenty of time to raise her ducklings in peace.

"Diverting the course was a fairly simple procedure.

"She will be there for at least another two or three weeks we think."

Appropriately for an event disturbed by a duck, trainer Donald McCain had the first three winners and jockey Samantha Drake rode in one of the afternoon's races, but failed to finish.