The Thursday (April 25) qualifying session at Woodbine Mohawk Park was interrupted by a chain reaction accident that sent multiple drivers to the track, and the extent of the injuries to those involved has now been revealed.
The accident occurred in Race 4. The chart from the race states that the Bob McClure-driven American Risk fell to the track in the second quarter of the contest and the rest of the horses in the dash were pulled up.
Woodbine Entertainment’s Mark McKelvie, who was calling the qualifier, stated that McClure and fellow drivers Phil Hudon and Anthony MacDonald each hit the track after having been unseated. McKelvie added that Hudon and MacDonald were able to get up under their own power and were walking on the track, but that McClure stayed down longer.
McClure was eventually able to sit up and be attended to by the on-track paramedics. After some time passed, McClure and MacDonald were taken to hospital.
MacDonald posted on Facebook that he suffered a broken wrist, broken elbow, broken ribs and a partially collapsed lung. He stated on social media he'll be out from eight to 10 weeks.
McClure told Trot Insider that he suffered a broken pelvis, not requiring surgery, and will be sidelined for a few weeks.
Hudon told Trot Insider that he suffered a broken left foot and bruised right foot that will keep him out of action for the time being.
All three horses were caught following the incident after being loose on the track.
Sunshines Finest, who is trained by Harry Poulton, was transported to the University of Guelph for examination. TheStable.ca posted that the three-year-old pacer did not suffer any fractures or breaks and will make a full recovery.
American Risk and The First Step came out of the incident without serious injuries.
Please join Standardbred Canada in wishing all drivers and horses involved in the accident a complete and speedy recovery from any and all injuries that were sustained.
Thursday's qualifying session also included appearances from O'Brien Award winners Emoticon Hanover and Jimmy Freight. Click this link for the recap of those efforts.
To view the harness racing results from the Thursday qualifying session at Mohawk, click the following link: Thursday Results – Woodbine Mohawk Park (Qualifiers).
(with files from Woodbine)
The injuries are significant
The injuries are significant enough. The drivers are certainly brave about it and I hope each recovers well. Glad the horses seem to be OK.