Epsom put block on former Kerry priest

Epsom have gained a court order preventing ‘Father’ Cornelius Horan coming within two miles of the racecourse at this weekend’s Vodafone Derby meeting.

Horan disrupted last year’s Olympic marathon in Athens when he bundled the race leader, Brazil’s Vanderlei de Lima, into the crowd near the race finish.

The former priest also caused problems at the 2003 British Grand Prix when he ran on to the Silverstone track, forcing cars travelling at speeds of 200mph to swerve to avoid him.

Epsom have pre-empted any possible problems through court proceedings and Stephen Wallis, the course’s managing director, is pleased the situation is resolved.

He said: “‘Father’ Horan was prevented from disrupting the start of last year’s Vodafone Derby and, following his behaviour during the Olympics marathon, we felt it was in the interest of the safety of horses, riders and ‘Father’ Horan himself that we took action to prevent him from coming to Epsom for this year’s renewal of the Derby.

“We are pleased he has accepted this order.”