A STEWARD at Royal Ascot has been rushed to hospital after being kicked in the head by a horse in front of screaming witnesses.
The man was knocked out by a two-year-old steed just ahead of the second race on the opening day of the event, which is attended by the King and Queen.
He was walking the horse around the pre-parade ring as it waited to be saddled for a race at around 3pm yesterday.
Bystanders screamed as it kicked its back legs and struck the man, who was on the stairs to the owners and trainer's restaurant, in the head.
It is not believed that any member of the Royal Family witnessed the horror.
One witness told The Telegraph: "We were so worried for his life. The horse kicked him in the head.
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"They put up a screen around him while paramedics attempted to revive him."
The steward, who was employed via an agency, was hospitalised with injuries to his face and shoulder but is reportedly expected to recover fully.
A spokesperson for Royal Ascot said: "A member of the stewarding team was kicked in the pre-parade ring prior to the second race on Tuesday.
"He was taken to hospital for assessment and remains under further care."
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A spokesperson for the South Central Ambulance Service said: "The incident occurred around 14:40 on Tuesday in the pre-parade ring when a horse got spooked, reared up and unfortunately kicked one of the stewards working in the parade ring in the face.
"SCAS has a paramedic on standby in that area throughout the duration of Royal Ascot so we were on scene with the patient very quickly.
"Following initial assessment and treatment. the male patient was then taken to Frimley Park Hospital by ambulance for further treatment of facial and shoulder injuries."
The first day of the beloved racing event was not without drama on the course, as world-famous jockey Frankie Dettori was slapped with a nine-day ban for careless riding
He has since announced that he plans to appeal the ban and said: "I've got my lawyers on it."
Meanwhile, Ascot attendees have stunned in show-stopping dresses on Day Two of the races.
These included Amanda Holden, who was dubbed the "best-looking woman" at the event as she wowed in a tight purple number.
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