Red Rum’s half-brother rescued from lake by firefighters

A half-brother of horse racing legend Red Rum had to be rescued by firefighters after falling into a lake.

Ben, 27, tumbled into the lake near his Kemnal Manor stables in Chislehurst, Kent, on Thursday August 14, while having a drink.

Having just recovered from a severe leg injury, where his tendons had been severed, he was unable to get out.

Owner Julia Bruniges of Orpington said she’s relieved they got him out: “He didn’t have the strength to pull himself out and just stood there with a pleading look on his face.

“I’ve owned him for 16 years. When he was younger he used to do loads of show jumping, to county level.”

The firefighters arrived with an array of specialised equipment including diving gear and lifted Ben out using a large strap-like device.

Ms Bruniges said Ben is a bit traumatised but recovering: “He’s a bit battered and bruised. But we’re lucky he didn’t have a heart attack as he has an irregular heart beat and a heart murmur.”

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