Most racing enthusiasts probably have an entertaining story to tell about rushing out of a situation in order to watch an important horse race. According to a report, a gentleman Down Under recently took the practice to a whole new level and was caught in the act.

According to a report by News Talk 3AW 693, an umpire that was part of a crew that was officiating a practice Australian Rules Football match this past weekend was caught red handed when he removed himself from the field of play in order to watch the simulcast of a horse race.

The article states that the umpire had initially excused himself from the field during the practice match between Bundoora and West Coburg. The ump had gone into the club rooms and players and the rest of the officials assumed he had ducked out because he had to use the washroom.

The report goes on to state that the umpire returned to the field a short time later, but then went ‘screaming’ off the field and passed through a crowd before heading back into the club rooms.

Given the odd nature of the situation, an individual went to check on the umpire. The ump was found in one of the club rooms watching a race on television.

(With files from News Talk 3AW 693)