22 May 2018 | Graham Fischer
Top young South Australian reinsman Josh Holberton faces a probable three month stint on the sidelines following a spectacular fall at Globe Derby Park on Saturday.
Holberton was driving Regal Scribe in the Alabar Golden Nursery final (1800m) when the two-year-old was checked, broke gait, tangled in its gear and fell to the track as the field raced into the first turn.
Due to the impact, Josh incurred a fractured sternum and general body soreness in the fall, more significantly he suffered a seizure as a result of the accident.
Fortunately, medical attendants were close by, while Dani Hill, who also came down in the fall, fellow trainer-driver Scott Forby and owner Tara-Shae Linke were also quickly on the scene to assist with the management of the incident.
Holberton said today he was very grateful to everyone who had jumped in to help.
“I remember driving in the race and the lead up to the fall,” Holberton said.
“The next thing I remember was waking up and trying to get up but I’m glad Scott and Tara-Shae held me down, and the St John Ambulance team were able to attend so quickly.
Holberton was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital where his injury was diagnosed.
“The doctors say I will be in pain for two weeks, then have two weeks of healing.
“I’m hoping to get back to work (electrical contractor) as soon as I can but can’t see me driving for up to three months.”
Holberton is currently seventh on the SA Drivers premiership with 26 winners following a career-best sixth placed finish last season with 51 winners.
With the fall, the Alabar Golden Nursery was declared a no race before the field had completed a lap.
Fortunately, Regal Scribe and Mackalan which fell, escaped serious injury.
The race will now be re-run this Saturday night.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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