Serious T-Bred Accident At Woodbine

Woodbine Racetrack was the scene of a serious accident on Wednesday, June 17, as a thoroughbred had to be euthanized and two jockeys sent to local hospital

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The incident took place during the third race of the program. With roughly a quarter-mile left in the contest, Olivers Strike, with rider Chad Beckon in the irons, took a bad step and tripped. Beckon went down with the horse.

Jockey Simon Husband, aboard Kensington Oval, tripped over the fallen horse. Reports state Beckon was clipped by Kensington Oval.

The Toronto Star reported earlier today that Beckon had been in a precautionary induced coma earlier today at Sunnybrook Hospital, but has since awaken.

Olivers Strike suffered two broken legs and had to be humanely destroyed.

"He (Beckon) woke up on his own and he knows Cory (Beckon's wife) is with him," Tony Esposito, Beckon's agent, was quoted as saying in a report by the Woodbine Entertainment Group's media office. "He has full mobility of his arms and legs. He's holding her hand and squeezing it. We're optimistic. Every bit of good news is great to hear."

“Simon went home from the hospital last night and is a little banged up,” Robert King, secretary/manager of the Jockeys' Benefit Association of Canada was quoted as saying in the WEG item. "All of our thoughts are with Chad (who has fractured vertebrae, a broken nose and cheek) and Simon and their families."

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of Olivers Strike and wishing both Husbands and Beckon speedy recoveries from their injuries.