Accident Mars Northside Season Finale

Published: November 12, 2016 07:51 pm EST

Northside Downs' season finale was marred by a multiple-horse accident on Saturday afternoon (November 12).

The accident occurred after the opening quarter-mile in the fourth race when I Am Able and driver Danny Campbell moved up to challenge leaders R Es Aiden and Rodney Gillis at the top of the stretch and fell causing a pile up of horses and drivers. Among those involved were Fleetwood Cam, driven by John Beaton, and Shiny Mach, with Roddy Hurley aboard.

Early reports indicate that Campbell, Hurley and Beaton were taken to hospital.

Campbell's wife has informed Trot Insider that the horseman sustained three hairline cracks to his hip and is undergoing more xrays to his back. He is expected to be out of action for at least six weeks.

Hurley told Trot Insider that he suffered a bad concussion along with bumps and bruises, but was released from hospital and is home resting.

The extent of Beaton's injuries are not yet known. He was reportedly airlifted to a Halifax hospital.

CTV News Atlantic has reported that the three horses that fell only suffered bruises, according to the Maritimes Provinces Harness Racing Commission.

The race was declared a 'No Contest' resulting in a full pari-mutuel refund of wagers.

Trot Insider will provide more information on the drivers involved when details are made available.

Please join Standardbred Canada in wishing a full and speedy recovery for all involved.

The meet's closing card featured top pacer Surrealist, who earned his 13th straight victory in the $1,200 Winners Over Pace.

Last at the half, the 10-year-old Modern Art gelding swept by the field to score in 1:59.4 for driver Redmond Doucet and trainer/owner Dana Getto of New Waterford, N.S. Surrealist defeated his front-striding stablemate Brother John, driven by Greg Sparling, by one length with Gotfaithincowboys rounding out the top three finishers.

Surrealist earned his 18th victory overall this year and moved into a four-way tie atop the North American standings for most wins by a horse in 2016.

The leading driver of the meet was John Kennedy with 21 wins while Heather Hawkins topped the trainer standings with her stable earning 20 victories.

To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Northside Downs.

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