American television presenter Andie Biancone was forced to withdraw from her duties at Royal Ascot after sustaining a foot injury after being kicked by a horse during training.
The 28-year-old FanDuelTV personality had travelled to Britain to serve as groom for Lennilu, a filly trained by her father Patrick Biancone, in Wednesday's Queen Mary Stakes.
However, a freak accident on Tuesday's gallops left her requiring crutches and unable to fulfil her role at the prestigious race meeting.
Medical examination at Newmarket revealed suspected soft tissue damage to her foot, prompting her return to the United States for further treatment.
TV presenter Andie Biancone has her ankle strapped up after the incident
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The incident occurred whilst Biancone was returning from morning exercise with Lennilu when a companion horse became startled by a passing lorry.
The frightened animal bucked violently and struck Biancone's foot with considerable force.
"Lennilu and I were coming back from her canter yesterday and her company horse got spooked by a truck, kicked out, and unfortunately kicked my foot," Biancone told ITV Racing.
Speaking to FanDuelTV, she provided further detail: "Lennilu was fine, but the pony was spooked, he bucked straight over his head and hit me in the foot."
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Andie Biancone has seen her profile grow significantly in the US
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The presenter emphasised her relief that Lennilu escaped injury in the incident.
Despite the painful blow, Biancone described how Lennilu showed remarkable concern for her wellbeing during the distressing journey back to the stables.
"But Lenni was fine, she packed me twenty minutes home, I was sobbing, and she was just like, 'are you good, mum?'" she recounted.
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The presenter acknowledged the silver lining in her misfortune, adding: "Team Lennilu is very grateful that I took the hit, took one for the team. It would be a shame to have a filly come all this way, be doing so well, and get kicked in the ribs."
Her sacrifice ensured the valuable racehorse remained unharmed for the prestigious event.
Doctors at Newmarket found no visible fractures but identified probable soft tissue damage to her ankle.
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Andie Biancone can be seen in a wheelchair after the accident
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"So my ankle did suffer the worst of it, we got it looked at at Newmarket, they said no visible breaks, probably just soft tissue damage," Biancone explained.
"I will probably get a second opinion in the United States but as of right now, we're crutching it."
Despite missing her handler, Lennilu performed admirably in Wednesday's Queen Mary Stakes, securing third place behind Aidan O'Brien's True Love.
Trainer Patrick Biancone expressed satisfaction with the filly's performance: "She is only a baby. I liked the fact she fought back at the end.
"We will go home and give her a break and then we'll see her in Del Mar for the Breeders' Cup."
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