An oblivious bystander was nearly hit by a stampede of horses at the Avondale Jockey Club on Saturday and the course manager is set to investigate the incident.
A wayward shot from a nearby game of backyard cricket resulted in a man retrieving the ball from the middle of the track during a race, as the field flashed toward him.
After realising that a race was in progress he ducked under the inside running rail when the hooves were within approximately 75 metres of him.
Club president Alan Boyle told Fairfax the club had not yet fully investigated the incident.
"I view it as something the club has to look at but at the moment it is all talk and rumour but safety requirements obviously demand an investigation.