Driver Doug McNair was unseated during Wednesday’s second race at Grand River Raceway, and as a result was transported to nearby hospital
. He has since been released and is recuperating at home.
McNair, who was driving Oceanview Sue, was sitting fifth on the rail as the field moved toward the half-mile marker. Simon Allard, who was first-over with R Es Miss Mcardle, was moving beside McNair when the two got in tight quarters with one another.
The front leg of Allard’s charge appeared to come in contact with the right tire on McNair’s sulky, and as a result McNair appeared to get dislodged from the seat of his sulky. McNair eventually fell to the track, and to make matters worse he appeared to get run over by the sulky wheel of a trailing horse.
McNair’s horse galloped past the wire and then stumbled and fell before getting up on her own power. She was apprehended and then examined by the ORC veterinarian, who indicated the mare suffered only minor scrapes from the fall.
McNair was taken by ambulance to Groves Memorial Hospital in Fergus , Ont. Reports indicate his injuries are confined to the knuckles on his right hand. He is scheduled to see a specialist on Thursday.
Trot Insider will post more details when they become available.
Henry Books Off Drives
Trevor Henry also booked off his last two drives of the evening. Henry will represent Ontario (alongside Jody Jamieson) in the National Driving Championship at the Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park on Saturday.
Henry sustained a shattered knuckle on his left index finger during an accident at Western Fair on April 8. He had surgery on April 14 and was given the go-ahead by his doctor on April 20 to compete in the NDC. He returned to the bike on May 2 after a three-week hiatus. Following a fourth-place finish in Grand River’s fourth race on Wednesday night, he booked off the remainder of his drives, citing discomfort and erring on the side of caution for the sake of this weekend’s competition.
Henry leaves on Thursday for PEI. Grand River Raceway interviewed him on the Tarmac Show following race six and presented him with a banner signed by well-wishers.
(With files from Grand River Raceway)
To view results for Wednesday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Wednesday Results – Grand River Raceway.