Grand River Raceway's second race on Wednesday night was marred by an accident involving multiple horses and sending one driver to hospital.
The accident took place in the first turn of the second race when Erikastar Mindale, driven by James MacDonald, left from post five and fell causing a chain reaction. Boomersbestbet was interfered with to his inside sending driver Nick Steward to the track. Best Risque collided with the fallen horses catapulting Billy Davis Jr. from his sulky. Dapple Apple also collided from behind unseating driver J Harris. Livie and Scott Young were unable to avoid the collision as well.
Grand River has reported that all of the horses involved were able to walk off the track under their own power. Ontario Racing Commission judges confirmed that the track veterinarian reported all horses escaped serious injuries and suffered minor, superficial wounds.
Steward remained conscious while receiving medical attention on track before being transported by ambulance to local hospital. Trot Insider learned on Thursday morning that the 22-year-old reinsman suffered two broken ribs and is undergoing further tests to reassess internal injuries.
Davis Jr., Harris and MacDonald booked off their remaining drives. Davis and Harris suffered elbow injuries along with other bumps and bruises, but confirmed with Trot Insider that they are doing okay otherwise. MacDonald confirmed with Trot Insider after being checked out at the hospital that he also avoided serious injuries. Young returned to drive in the following race, winning with Regal Luck, but then booked off the remainder of his drives as well.
The race was declared a No Contest.
Trot Insider will provide further updates when available.
Please join Standardbred Canada in wishing all of the drivers and horses involved a full and speedy recovery.