A serious accident took place on Sunday (February 4) at Fraser Downs in Surrey, BC, and Trot Insider has an update in regard to the status of drivers John Abbott and Keith Dicks.

The accident took place in Race 7, which was declared a no contest. A horse that made a bad break as the starting gate sped away led to drivers being unseated and hitting the track hard.

Drivers John Abbott (who was driving RD Billie) and Keith Dicks (Mach Majorette) are recovering.

Abbott suffered a separated shoulder and soft tissue and muscle damage, but is now sporting a sling and visiting fellow horsemen in the backstretch.

Dicks has had a rough time from the injuries sustained, but has recovered his great sense of humour while undergoing major surgeries for a broken left hip – which has been replaced – and a broken right knee, which has also been replaced.

Dicks also sustained a fractured left shoulder, a broken right wrist, multiple broken ribs and a concussion, which doctors are still addressing at Surrey Memorial Hospital.

Dicks, the eternal optimist, is taking a positive approach to the tough situation, and has said that is optimistic about the future and will take things as they come.

Trot Insider has not received an update in terms of the horses involved in the accident, but was informed earlier this week that they emerged from the accident unscathed.

Please join HRBC and Standardbred Canada in wishing Abbott, Dicks and the horses involved complete and speedy recoveries from their injuries.

(With files from HRBC)