The final race on Thursday’s 12-race card at Flamboro Downs was declared a ‘no contest’ by the ORC Judges following a first-turn accident that eventually led to a head-on collision later in the race.

Banana Joes Bar (J Harris) made a break in stride going into the first turn when making a bid for the lead, and that set off a chain reaction of interference to trailing horses and drivers. Buckbuckbuck Mach (James MacDonald) couldn’t avoid the breaking horse and rammed into it from behind, and Stonebridge Wish (Scott Coulter) then clipped the wheel of Buckbuckbuck Mach. James MacDonald and Scott Coulter were both ejected from their bikes.

Buckbuckbuck Mach got back up to his feet and headed the wrong way of the racetrack and eventually veered directly into the path of the rest of the field. The race continued despite the warning lights being activated, and just as the field was coming out of the second turn Buckbuckbuck Mach collided head-on with A Sudden Twist (Alfie Carroll).

Officials from Flamboro Downs told Trot Insider the drivers involved in the race didn't need medical attention, however, the horses involved in the collision - Buckbuckbuck Mach and A Sudden Twist - had to be euthanized due to the extent of the injuries they suffered in the collision.

Please join Standardbred Canada in sharing condolences with the connections of Buckbuckbuck Mach and A Sudden Twist.

ORC Executive Director and CEO Steve Lehman has told Trot Insider that an investigation is underway and that the ORC has no further comment at this time.

Trot Insider has spoken with Stephane Larocque, the distraught trainer of Buckbuckbuck Mach. The 39-year-old has raced horses in many jurisdictions over the years and explained to Trot Insider how the type of accident that occurred Thursday at Flamboro was a very rare occurrence. “I’ve never seen anything like it before," said Larocque, who was still shaken by the incident. "That type of accident is very, very rare.”

James MacDonald has told Trot Insider that he is fine and will be back driving tonight. Scott Coulter told Trot Insider that he is tentative for his Saturday Flamboro drives. Coulter explained that his wrist is slightly sprained and he might not steer his scheduled Saturday mounts. Alfie Carroll told Trot Insider that he has some pulled tendons in his ankle and knee but plans at this time to commit to his weekend drives.

To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Flamboro Downs.