HORSERACING had to be diverted at a North-East racecourse today (Tuesday, May 14) - after a duck was found nesting in one of the jumps!

The discovery at Sedgefield Racecourse in County Durham meant organisers had to bypass fence six to protect the nesting mallard and her six newly hatched eggs.

Yet, despite the diversion, the final fixture of the season got off to a flying start, with the aptly named jockey Samantha Drake among those taking to the saddle.

Unfortunately, the duck did not prove a lucky omen for Drake, who finished outside the top three in the handicap hurdle class five race.

Course clerk Phil Tuck, who has worked in the horseracing industry all of his life, said it was unusual to find birds nesting in the fences.

“It is unusual but it did happen here a few years ago on a different fence,” he said.

“We haven’t named the duck this time but a few people have suggested we should name the ducklings after today’s winners!”

Grounds man Andrew Flanagan discovered the nest last week while making routine repairs to the fence.

He quickly notified Mr Tuck, who contacted the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

As it is illegal to move birds’ nests during breeding season, the charity was unable to help; meaning Mr Tuck had no choice but to bypass the fence at today’s (Tuesday) JG Paxton raceday.

“Of course, as a racecourse, it is great to be able to help nature but we also had to think of it from a health and safety point of view,” he said.

“If the duck had flown up during the race it could have spooked one of the horses, which could have caused an accident.”

Mr Tuck said the diversion had not affected the event, as six of the course’s eight jumps had remained in action. And, it is likely the ducklings will have flown the nest long before the next fixture– the Roflow Ladies Evening – on August 27.

Chris Collett, an RSPB spokesperson, said: “Sedgefield Racecourse was right to take measures to ensure that the nest is not disturbed.

"It is actually illegal to move nests during the breeding season.

“At this time of year birds are busy nesting and that is why we encourage people to avoid trimming their garden hedgerows and trees between April and September.”