Drivers Jason Bartlett and Scott Zeron were involved in an accident on Thursday, Aug. 6, hours before each driver was poised to play a maajor role in the 2026 Hambletonian Day card of harness racing at Meadowlands Racetrack on Saturday, Aug. 8.

According to Zeron, he will miss his drives on Saturday with a pair of small vertebrae fractures. He told Trot Insider that there is "no risk of damage to that area going forward," but he will need time to properly heal and recover.

Zeron's major mounts on Saturday included It Could Be Worse in the $1-million Hambletonian for trainer Linda Toscano and 2-1 morning line choice Nezuko Kamado S in the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks.

Trot Insider has learned that David Miller will drive It Could Be Worse in the Hambletonian, while Yannick Gingras gets the call for trainer Marcus Melander on Nezuko Kamado S.

As of press time, the status of Bartlett remained unclear. According to Jason's wife, all of Jason’s scans "came back clear from breaks." He remained in hospital awaiting full test results. 

"He did have some air outside his lungs likely from the trauma of hitting the track. They rechecked that this morning and the air is now gone which is positive news.  He needed stitches in his right elbow and his right shoulder looks to have a slight AC joint separation.  That should heal on its own."

Full driver changes for Saturday and further updates on Bartlett will be provided when available. 

Please join Standardbred Canada in wishing Jason Bartlett and Scott Zeron each a full and speedy recovery.

(Standardbred Canada)