By Matt Markham
Leading horsewoman Samantha Ottley is expected to be side lined for at least six weeks following a nasty accident at yesterday’s Methven meeting which left a number of drivers and horses on the track.
Ottley was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter after her drive, Maximus Prime was unable to avoid the melee which unfolded in front of her and the talented driver was sent flying in the air before landing awkwardly on her lower back.
There were grave concerns early in the aftermath of the incident for Ottley’s wellbeing and all precautions were taken by medical staff on course to ensure she received the best treatment possible.
Ottley’s partner, fellow driver Stevie Golding, confirmed late on Sunday night that the prognosis was a lot better than had been initially feared and that Ottley had suffered a bone chip in her lower back.
Then later on Sunday night, Ottley’s mother, Denise confirmed that her daughter had been up on her feet but was still in some discomfort and that bed rest was required for quite some time.
The incident unfolded when race leader, Emmanuel fell shortly after straightening for the run home in Race 6.
As a result the trailing Gabby’s Star driven by Robbie Holmes, Stoney Eyre and Bob Butt and lastly Ottley and Maximus Prime were sent crashing to the track.
Rasmussen appeared, initially to receive the worst of the impact but somehow managed to walk away from the incident unaided and then went on to win the Terror To Love Methven Cup and hour and a half later with Messini.
Both Holmes and Butt were also uninjured in the incident and there were no reports of horses suffering serious injuries in the accident.
It’s the second major accident for Ottley within the past two years.
At the Westport meeting in March last year she was involved in another nasty crash in which her drive Glencarrigh among others fell.
Harness Racing New Zealand will endeavour to provide another update on Ottley’s progress later today (Monday).
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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