After rebounding from 13 broken ribs, three broken vertebra, a broken scapula, clavicle and a punctured lung and spleen sustained in an accident last year, horseman Eric Abbatiello qualified horses for the first time
since the incident this morning at Freehold Raceway.
Abbatiello drove in a total of four qualifying races this morning, winning by open lengths with Dolcezza A and going a victorious 2:00.4 mile with 2007 Jugette winner Western Graduate.
"I was a little hesitant about getting back into the bike at first," Abbatiello told Trot Insider, "but after I got over the initial nerves and got up behind the gate all of that went away. It's sort of like a baseball player stepping up to the plate -- all of the distractions go away and you just try to hit a homerun."
Abbatiello's comeback has been remarkable, considering the accident took place just months ago, on October 24, 2008.
Abbatiello said that he has had weekly x-rays since the accident and just a few weeks ago got the go-ahead from his doctors for a return to the races.
"I have to take my hat off to the people at Freehold Raceway and at Jersey Shore Hospital in Neptune, New Jersey. I also really have to thank my family, friends and my owners, especially Howard Schneidler."
Abbatiello said that he will be driving in pari-mutuel events tomorrow and Saturday at Freehold and Yonkers Raceway, respectively.
Great to see you back Eric.
Great to see you back Eric. Wishing you nothing but the best.
I never realized just how
I never realized just how scary that accident was until l saw it on the CTA website..I am glad that Eric made a recovery and wish him all the best that hes back and hope he makes a few trips up to Saratoga during the season with a sire stake or two..
Eric Abbatiello is really
Eric Abbatiello is really one of the good guys in racing. I know quite a few of the drivers at Yonkers Raceway (I'm an employee, not just a fan), and he is by far the nicest, and accomodating of the group. Some of the Yonkers drivers are just not interested in saying hello, or pretend they dont remember you when they've seen you many times. Eric says hello, with a the persons first name, to everyone. I hope he has great success.
I have been involved in
I have been involved in horse racing primarily as a fan for 35 years. (owned a horse for about 3 of those years). While over the years I have many times been frustrated by a percieved lack of effort, or a terrible drive or ride in the case of jockeys, not to mention thousand of betting dollars lost I still feel a strong attachment to the horse racing community. I would never want to see a driver, jockey, or horse get hurt (or grooms etc). Therefore I am happy to see Eric make a full recovery and get back in the bike. Life comes first above all. I unfortunatley witnessed Avelino Gomez's tragic accident and hope to never have to see something like that again.
May Our Lord Jesus Christ watch over all of you and bring you home safely every day/night.