This weekend the harness racing industry in Manitoba will show its support for Alyssa Selman, an injured thoroughbred rider whose story has received international media attention.
Selman was involved in an accident at Assiniboia Downs on June 27. Her horse tumbled after making contact with the horse in front of her, throwing her from her mount. She still has use of her arms, but has lost all feeling from the chest down.
"I could have lost a lot of brain function; it could have been my head; I may not have known anybody or my kids," Selman told CBC. "It could have been much worse."
The Miami Agricultural Society will be donating all admissions from Saturday's gate to Selman, who is from the area. The track is also accepting donations for the family on both Saturday and Sunday as the Manitoba Great Western Harness Racing Circuit makes its first of two stops in Miami. There will also be 50/50 draws both days, with proceeds going to Alyssa and her family. A GoFundMe page has also been set up for those wishing to make donations
Doctors have yet to give Selman a definitive prognosis for recovery, but the rider is determined to not only walk but get up in the irons again.
"I had a woman come in and say she hadn't walked in five years, and she walked into the hospital to tell me this story," said Selman. "To me that's amazing."
To view the entries for this weekend's cards in Miami, click one of the following links:
Saturday Entries - Miami -- Sunday Entries - Miami.