A group of five jockeys heading to the Glorious Goodwood event had a harrowing experience when their plane had to make an emergency landing due to engine trouble. The jockeys, including Rowan Scott, Callum Rodriguez, PJ McDonald, Tom Eaves, and Jack Garritty, were on their way from Yorkshire to West Sussex but had to turn back, causing them to miss their scheduled rides on the fourth day of the prestigious event.
Rowan Scott, who had two rides lined up at Goodwood, recounted the frightening incident where one of the plane’s engines failed mid-flight, leading to a loud bang. The pilot skillfully managed to bring the aircraft back to Bagby Airfield near Thirsk, but another bang occurred as they descended, causing further alarm among the passengers.
Despite the tense situation, the experienced pilot remained composed, guiding the jockeys safely back to the airfield. The trip from Bagby to Goodwood Estate is a considerable distance by road, prompting many northern-based jockeys to opt for flights to the event.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Rowan Scott expressed gratitude for the safe landing but admitted that the incident had left them all shaken. His agent, Niall Hannity, commended the pilot’s professionalism and emphasized the relief of everyone being unharmed.
Given the nerve-wracking experience, Scott mentioned that it was his first and last time flying in a private plane. The jockeys missed their races at Goodwood due to the emergency landing, highlighting the unexpected turn of events they faced on their journey.
