More information is coming out regarding what Northside Downs regulars are calling the worst accident in the history of the racetrack. Danny Campbell, who was aboard I Am Able, has discussed what it was like being at the front of the chain-reaction wreck.
Campbell has told CBC News Nova Scotia that he thinks his mount’s hopple got caught in his knee boot, which caused him to go down to the track. The duo had been leading the charge first-over, which resulted perilous for those that were behind and following.
"When he (I Am Able) started to go down, I tried to pull him back. But the back horse hit me and drove me forward,” Campbell said. “I lost full control and landed on the track."
Campbell provided an update on his condition to the CBC. He said that he has a fractured hip, suffered a dislocated shoulder, and sustained bruised ribs. Campbell said that he remembered thinking, "I am going to be hurt and this is going to be a hard landing."
The accident was rough on a few other drivers in particular, as Roddy Hurley and John Beaton also suffered serious injuries. Hurley told Trot Insider that he suffered a bad concussion along with bumps and bruises, but was released from hospital. Beaton’s wife, Kim, provided an update on her husband’s condition
The CBC’s most recent update has quoted Beaton as saying on Monday that, "My cracked ribs are sore. Other then that, my other spots have been good.”
Luckily, horses were not seriously injured in the accident, but some did suffer bruising and lacerations.
Please join Standardbred Canada in wishing all of the horsemen and horses that were involved in the accident speedy and complete recoveries from their injuries.
(With files from CBC News Nova Scotia)