There is an update in regard to the status of horseman John Beaton, who was one of the drivers involved in the serious accident this past Saturday (November 12) at Northside Downs in Nova Scotia.
Trot Insider reported on Saturday that 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, which caused a pileup of horses and drivers. Among those involved were Fleetwood Cam, driven by John Beaton, and Shiny Mach, with Roddy Hurley aboard.
Campbell, Hurley and Beaton were taken to hospital. Campbell sustained three hairline cracks to his hip and was to undergo more x-rays to his back. He is expected to be out of action for at least six weeks. Hurley suffered a bad concussion along with bumps and bruises, but was released from hospital and is resting at home.
As an article by CBC News Nova Scotia explains, Beaton also suffered some serious injuries.
According to Beaton’s wife, Kim, the horseman was airlifted to a hospital in Halifax where his injuries were determined.
"They have him stabilized and everything,” Kim said. “He's in the outpatients there. He has broken ribs that I know of and his back, it may be vertebrae in his back. They're working on him now. I'm very upset. I want everything to work out all the best for him."
It is not believed at this time that any of the horses involved in the accident suffered serious injuries. Simon Poirier, an owner of one of the horses involved, stated in social media that local horsepeople should be commended for their quick actions.
“As an owner of one of the horses involved in the accident yesterday, I’d like to [thank] all the horsemen from Northside Downs that helped with my horse whom seemed to get the [worst] of it,” Poirier wrote. “But with the great help she received she is going fine today walking sound and seems very alert just some cuts and scrapes to deal with but looks like she will be fine.”
Please join Standardbred Canada in wishing all of the horsemen and horses that were involved in the accident speedy and complete recoveries from their injuries.
(With files from CBC News Nova Scotia)
I have been in a few spills
I have been in a few spills myself and it is not an enjoyable thing, all the best to all involved, speedy recovery.