Hudon Set For Saturday Return

Driver Gerry Hudon will be returning to action this weekend at Alberta Downs after suffering multiple injuries in a racing accident just over two months ago at Northlands

Park.

Hudon was involved in a spill in the second race on March 9 at the Edmonton oval when another horse stumbled and fell behind the starting gate in front of him. His mount, Gts Danielle, was gapped off the gate and collided with the fallen horse, sending him to the ground.

Hudon was tended to by track medical personnel and transported by ambulance to Royal Alexandra Hospital where it was discovered he had suffered fractures to his L4 and L5 lumbar vertebrae (lower spine) as well as a concussion, pulled groin, broken ribs, bruised back and a pulled ligament in his right thumb.

The 47-year-old resident of Edmonton was in hospital for three days and didn't make it back to the barn until last Sunday, at which time he was able to jog three of his horses.

"My recovery went really well," Hudon told Trot Insider. "I still have problems with my pelvis -- it's just the tear of all the muscles so it just takes time -- but I'm healing up pretty good.

"The concussion was one of the worse things I’ve ever had," noted the veteran reinsman. "It was very weird; it makes you feel like you're in a boat all the time, like you’re rocking, but your not. It’s a very weird thing."

Hudon, who was cleared to drive on Thursday by his doctor, will be back in the sulky on Saturday during the Alberta Downs qualifying session and will then drive three of his trainees during the Saturday afternoon card, including Open pacer Timberline Court. He is also listed to drive six of his pupils during the Sunday program.

The winner of more than 2,500 races expressed gratitude to his wife Monica and staff, including Cory Viker, Christine Scott, Sean Moore and John Baxter, for their assistance during his recovery. He is now looking forward to the summer season in Lacombe.

"I’ve got a nice bunch of two-year-olds that are prepping and I’m looking forward to the summer with my young horses," said Hudon. "Hopefully, everything pans out with them. I’m just looking forward to getting back."