Woodbine Racetrack's $34,000 Preferred Pace on Saturday night was marred by an accident, which took out the backfield near the half-way point.
Driver Scott Zeron rolled 4-5 favourite Sparky Mark to the lead into the first turn of the ninth race over early leaver My Man Charley (Anthony MacDonald), Mystician (Jody Jamieson) and Mach Dreamer (Chris Christoforou). The Mark Austin trainee reached the opening quarter in :26.2.
As Sparky Mark proceeded to the half in :55, In Commando (James MacDonald) tipped off the pylons from fifth, but fell causing a pile up among the trailing horses. Hard To Mach (Doug McNair) and High Def Z Tam (Billy Davis Jr.) also fell while Anderlecht dumped his driver, Rick Zeron, and ran loose before being corralled.
Sparky Mark continued to lead the way to three-quarters in 1:23.1 before holding off Mystician by a neck to win in 1:50.3. Mach Dreamer finished third over My Man Charley, who rounded out the finishing horses. Sparky Mark paid $3.90 to win.
Trot Insider has learned that James MacDonald was taken off the track via stretcher by EMS crew. According to Jenna MacDonell, MacDonald fractured and dislocated his ankle with a surgeon set to inspect the ankle for ligament damage on Sunday morning.
Davis, McNair and Rick Zeron were seen walking off the track under their own power. Davis, who did not have any further drives on the card, told Trot Insider he suffered minor injuries to his lower back and right leg, but is doing fine otherwise. Rick Zeron returned to the bike in the following race.
McNair booked off his last two drives and was taken to hospital to get checked out. According to McNair, he broke the tip of a finger, suffered bruised ribs and a bruised calf muscle.
Trot Insider has learned that High Def Z Tam was euthanized.
Updates on the drivers and horses involved will be provided when further information is available.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of High Def Z Tam and in wishing those injured a full and speedy recovery.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.
I am very sorry about the
I am very sorry about the passing of High Def Z Tam. I hope the drivers are recovering well.
This is the RISK of the game
This is the RISK of the game that one cannot foresee, but it does unfortunately happen. (The worst outcome is always for the horse). The injuries the drivers sustained will take a long time to heal - BUT, they will eventually recover to continue their careers - may your recoveries be successful - all the best, to get you back on track!
Very scary incident....my
Very scary incident....my thoughts go out to all involved
Condolences to the
Condolences to the connections of High Def Z Tam. To live in the hearts of those left behind is not to die. Run free in Equine Heaven and thank you for your grit and determination.
Speedy recoveries to all the drivers involved.
horrible looking accident,
horrible looking accident, surprised it wasn't alot worse
High Def Z Tam went out a
High Def Z Tam went out a winner, having finished first in his last start, before this tragic one, in december in the Woodbine preferred. Looks like he was just finding his real form again :-( RIP, my condolences to the connections.
Hope all the other horses and drivers involved in the spill are alright and recovering well.
RIP High Def Z Tam.
RIP High Def Z Tam.
RIP High Def Z - may you run
RIP High Def Z - may you run free in heaven
hope the drivers are ok