Drivers hurt in accident-marred Ontario Boys final

A horrific eight-horse accident marred Monday night's $55,400(C) Ontario Boys Pacing Series final for 4 year olds at Woodbine Racetrack, with drivers Roger Mayotte, Robert Shepherd and Mario Baillargeon transported to a local hospital.

The event went to Windsun Twister, who overtook Dinner Guest in the stretch to score in 1:56. They were the only two horses to finish the race.

The mishap occurred as the field approached the half. Warp Speed, who was sitting in third position, took a bad step and tumbled suddenly to the track. This caused a chain reaction as seven horses were unable to avoid the fallen pacer.

Drivers Roger Mayotte (Shiny Mach) and Robert Shepherd (Rust Belt) were transported to local hospital, with reports early Tuesday morning stating Mayotte suffered a broken shoulder and Shepherd a broken leg. Mario Baillargeon (Warp Speed) was also sent to hospital with a suspected broken ankle.

Chris Christoforou (Hemingway Hudson) was able to leave the track under his own steam but did book off his remaining drives.

Warp Speed, who got up without his driver following the spill, ran off the racetrack and into the paddock barn. He suffered several lacerations but appeared alert afterwards in the paddock.

The victory was the third in seven starts this season for Windsun Twister who is trained by Alvin Hamilton. He co-owns the pacer along with the Black Walnut Stables and David McNabb. The lion's share of the purse boosted his earnings to just over $90,000 lifetime. (with files from WEG)

« Back