Jockey suffers the ‘stuff of nightmares’ as birds attack him on racecourse

A JOCKEY runs and ducks for cover in the middle of a racecourse as giant birds swoop down and try to attack him.

This incredible footage shows Jye McNeil running away from the flying beasts laughing – until he realises he really is in danger.

McNeil, who won the Melbourne Cup in 2020 on Twilight Payment, was walking the Bendigo track in Australia before racing started.

But as he was checking the ground a plover swooped from above and appeared to try to take a bite out of him.

McNeil leaped to the floor for cover before rolling back onto his feet and sprinting back to the safety of the parade ring.