UPDATED: Accident Mars Grassroots

Published: July 24, 2015 11:05 pm EDT

Drivers Chris Christoforou and James MacDonald booked off their remaining drives on Friday night at Mohawk Racetrack following an accident in the eighth race.

The accident took place down the backstretch in the evening's fourth Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots division for three-year-old pacing fillies.

Twin B Sweetheart and Christoforou were fifth along the pylons in the 10-horse field when the filly made a sudden break in stride and hooked wheels with Betty And The Jets and MacDonald, who were moving to her outside. The incident caused a chain reaction of interference to the trailing horses.

Twin B Sweetheart fell during the incident and got up on her own after being unhooked from her equipment. Betty And The Jets ran loose, but was caught by the outrider. Both horses walked off the track and escaped the accident unharmed, according to a press release from the track.

Officials from Mohawk also confirmed Christoforou was transported by ambulance to local hospital. Trot Insider has learned that Christoforou suffered a broken collarbone. The full extent of the injury is unknown.

After being examined on track, MacDonald confirmed with Trot Insider that he did not sustain serious injuries, but was headed to the hospital requiring stitches for his arm.

The Grassroots division was won by Stonebridge Quest and driver Trevor Henry in 1:51.1. For a full recap of tonight's Ontario Sires Stakes, click here.

Tags
Have something to say about this? Log in or create an account to post a comment.