Trot Insider has received updates on the status of drivers Chris Christoforou and James MacDonald after both reinsmen were involved in an accident in the fifth race on Saturday (Aug. 1) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
The incident occurred at the top of the stretch when 3-5 favourite Best In Show, first over while edging to the lead, jumped and veered into Highlandbeachlover. Highlandbeachlover jolted inside, causing Sports Column (driven by James Macdonald) to trip over a wheel and go down. Yacht Seelster and Tyga Hanover raced gapped from the rest of the field into the stretch and also went down over Sports Column.
Christoforou told Trot Insider on Sunday that he suffered a fractured hand and left ankle. The ankle is immobilized in a boot and both fractures will be re-examined in two weeks.
MacDonald suffered a concussion and a broken collarbone. He told Trot Insider that he's set to have the clavicle examined again in a week's time.
All horses walked away okay with only minor cuts and bruises.
Please join Standardbred Canada in wishing both drivers a speedy recovery.
It was a nasty accident
It was a nasty accident Saturday, August 1, 2020. My live stream was shut down when I saw #5 Best in Show make a break and darted inside. I did not witness what occurred a split second after that. I knew a disaster was about to happen. I wish James McDonald and Chris Christoforou a speedy and full recovery. Wishing the 3 horses Sports Column, Yacht Seelster, and Tyga Hanover recover and get back to the track again. Be safe out there guys.
Janelle
That was a scary accident to
That was a scary accident to watch.
I feared the worst for James.
So relieved that they will recover.
Glad to here you both are
Glad to here you both are doing alright - heal up guys, we as fans can't wait till you guys get back at her. Hey James, you come along way from working at the canteen at the CDP!
From your fans from PEI!
No one can feel worse than I,
No one can feel worse than I, except of course Chris and James. I wish them a speedy recovery. Best In Show never showed anything other than the best manners. His reaction to what probably happened is truly unfortunate to everyone involved (we believe he got spooked by his pull-out earplug swinging near, or possibly hitting his eye). I rate it at a million to one as I have never heard about such a thing ever. To have it happen with the Meadowlands Pace winner makes me want to cry. Get well Chris and James.
Happy to hear that everyone
Happy to hear that everyone and the horses are going to be okay, get well guys. I commented earlier on a different post about an idea for an online auction, for the NA cup eliminations and final, for the seats. I'm not sure how that's going, I'd like to attend the elimination race in person and I would like to donate $200 for a seat and I would also like to be there in person for the NA cup final and I would like to donate $300 for this seat. This money could go towards all current and future drivers of the horse racing industry that have been injured.
I'llHaveAnother - Ontario Needs Racing