Watch the terrifying moment Matt Chapman ‘saves’ jockey William Buick from being hit by a runaway horse during the Breeders’ Cup
In a heart-stopping incident at the 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships held at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in California, Sky Sports Racing presenter and SunSport columnist Matt Chapman sprang into action to pull star jockey William Buick out of the path of a loose horse galloping unchecked toward them during a live interview. The dramatic moment, captured on video and quickly shared across social media, unfolded on the eve of the main championship races, highlighting the unpredictable dangers that lurk even off the track in the high-stakes world of thoroughbred racing.
The Breeders’ Cup, often dubbed the Super Bowl of horse racing, attracts the finest equine athletes, trainers, jockeys, and media from around the globe. This year’s edition, running from October 31 to November 2, featured a whopping $33 million in purses across 14 championship races, with European raiders like those from Godolphin and Charlie Appleby stables making strong challenges against American powerhouses. Amid the buildup of excitement, with interviews buzzing about contenders such as Rebel’s Romance—ridden by Buick himself—and Japanese sensation Forever Young, who would go on to claim the coveted Breeders’ Cup Classic, the atmosphere at Del Mar was electric.
William Buick, the 37-year-old Norwegian-born jockey who has become a cornerstone of Godolphin’s success, was in the midst of a routine on-camera chat with Chapman. Buick, a multiple Breeders’ Cup winner with an unflappable demeanor honed from years in the saddle, was discussing his mounts and the European assault on the turf. Little did he know that danger was bolting straight at him from behind. The culprit was Bear River, a horse trained by American handler J. Keith Desormeaux, who had somehow escaped from the stables and was charging loose through the interview area, its hooves thundering on the ground as handlers scrambled in pursuit.
Chapman, known for his boisterous personality and sharp eye for racing drama, spotted the runaway first. Without hesitation, he interrupted the interview mid-sentence, lunging forward to grab Buick and yank him sideways to safety. “We have saved William Buick, we have saved William Buick,” Chapman exclaimed breathlessly into the microphone as the horse thundered past mere inches away, its mane flying and eyes wide with fright. The camera crew swiveled to capture the chaos, showing Bear River being swiftly corralled and calmed by quick-thinking staff before any further harm could occur.
Buick, ever the professional, remained remarkably composed throughout the ordeal, barely flinching as the massive animal barreled by. As the dust settled, Chapman attempted to resume the interview with a grin: “Buick has been saved.” The jockey, flashing a wry smile, replied simply, “By you.” Chapman later admitted to perhaps embellishing the heroism for the cameras, telling reporters, “It sounds good on tele,” but insisted his instincts kicked in purely for safety. On his social media, he captioned a repost of the clip: “It’s that moment when you catapult yourself forward for someone else – no fear. You just have another person’s safety in your head.”
The video exploded online, racking up thousands of views within hours. Fans and fellow racing enthusiasts praised Chapman’s quick thinking, with comments flooding in like “I tell ye Matt is a national treasure” and “Chappers has gone for that fully.” Others marveled at Buick’s ice-cool reaction: “William Buick is cool as a cucumber. He’s got ice water through his veins.” At The Races, Sky Sports Racing’s partner, shared the footage with the caption: “Wow, watch this! A loose horse was heading straight for @WilliamBuickX but thankfully @MCYeeehaaa was quick to react…”
This near-miss served as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in horse racing, where powerful 1,000-pound animals can unpredictably bolt at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Loose horses, or “runaways,” are not uncommon at major events, often escaping during saddling or warm-ups due to spooks from crowds, noises, or mishandled leads. Tragically, such incidents have led to serious injuries in the past, underscoring the need for vigilant protocols at venues like Del Mar.
Fortunately, no one was hurt, and the Breeders’ Cup proceeded without further off-track drama. Buick went on to shine in the races, guiding Notable Speech to a commanding victory in the Breeders’ Cup Mile for trainer Charlie Appleby, marking his 10th win at the championships and adding to Godolphin’s dominant haul. Rebel’s Romance, another of his mounts, put in a valiant effort in the Turf, while European invaders secured five wins overall, including Gezora in the Filly & Mare Turf.
Chapman, reflecting on the scare, quipped that he “couldn’t believe my eyes” but was glad to play the hero, even if briefly. The incident added an unexpected thrill to the prelude of what proved to be a memorable Breeders’ Cup, blending high drama with the sport’s raw intensity. As the racing world buzzed about the saves—both Chapman’s instinctive pull and the jockeys’ on-track triumphs—it reinforced why millions tune in: horse racing is as unpredictable as it is exhilarating.
In the end, Bear River was safely returned to its stable, Buick continued his quest for glory unharmed, and Chapman earned a new moniker among fans: the broadcaster who tackles more than just tough questions. The clip will undoubtedly replay in highlight reels for years, a terrifying yet heroic footnote to the 2025 championships.
