Palone returns with win

Defying initial predictions of a months-long rehabilitation, Dave Palone resumed driving Tuesday night at The Meadows, only seven weeks after suffering multiple fractures to his right thighbone in a race accident. It didn't take him long to regain his winning touch; in his second race back, he drove the trotter My Word to victory.

In his only other drive on the card, he finished second with the trotter T Q Thunderhawk after being shuffled.

The public demonstrated its faith in Palone, who ranks third on harness racing's career wins list, making him the favorite in each of his starts.

It was on April 10 that Palone was catapulted from the bike in a race at The Meadows, landing violently on his right leg. Physicians surgically inserted a metal rod and pins to stabilize the broken thighbone and projected that the limb would not bear weight for six weeks, with a substantial period of rehabilitation to follow. Palone astonished those doctors--and everyone else--with his rapid recovery.

He attributed that recovery to the care of his wife, Bethann, an occupational therapist by profession, and he said water therapy helped him regain his range of motion. He also credited the counsel of John Campbell, who underwent similar rehabilitation following a serious injury and called Palone several times to offer advice.

Palone provided a scare when he returned to the paddock after his victory with blood-spattered colors. But he said the blood belonged to My Word, who grabbed a quarter while trotting to victory. That was bad news for the horse but a relief for the family and friends who had gathered to encourage Palone.

Though walking with a limp, Palone pronounced himself pain-free following his drives.

“It was good to get back out there,” he said. “It's what I love. I took things for granted; I won't ever again.

“Where I'll suffer on the track is not knowing the other horses like I'm used to knowing them. I'll have to watch some tape and do my homework, just like a guy who's never been here before.”

John Marshall, vice president and general manager of The Meadows, was trackside to support Palone and was thrilled with what he saw.

“Having Dave back so soon injects tremendous vitality into our already strong drivers colony, and it's exciting news for our patrons,” Marshallsaid. “Hardly a day passed without fans asking us about Dave's progress.”

Also trackside was Steve Broome, associate pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in nearby McMurray, where the Palone family worships. Being here for Palone was so important to him that he made his initial visit to a racetrack. He did not wager.

“I got to see Dave in the hospital and a few times at home as well,” he said. “It's a devastating experience to be injured like that, and you wonder what your future will be like. We're really grateful for Dave's strength.”

Palone is scheduled to drive seven horses Wednesday, May 30, a workload he expects to maintain for each remaining card this week. While he plans to drive exclusively at The Meadows this week, he has accepted an engagement at Woodbine the following week.

“I'm ready to go on the road as soon as I sharpen up my skills,” he said. (The Meadows)

« Back