Any accident has the potential to be dangerous…but you can see the funny side!

CHAMPION reinsman Chris Alford summed up what had the potential to be a disastrous situation in Ballarat last night in the perfect manner.

After watching David Murphy summersault backwards from the sulky, Alford commented “Never funny when the bit breaks but try not to laugh!”

Murphy was driving Scar – which he also trains – when the bit he was using on the squaregaiter broke soon after the start.

In a move which would impress any stuntman, Murphy rolled backward onto the track before being dragged by the gelding.

Showing his prowess as a horseman, Murphy held on to the reins and was able to bring Scar to a halt along the outside fence with the aid of a track attendant.

“I was trying to keep his mind on the job to keep him trotting after the start, but he broke stride so I grabbed hold to get him into rhythm again,” Murphy said.

“The bit broke which left me at the point of no return and before I knew it was on the track being dragged.

“I was determined to hold onto him and luckily he didn’t bolt too much.

“Other than my colours being torn and a few sore spots, we got through it pretty well.

“Any accident has the potential to be dangerous, but when you look back at it, you can see the funny side!”