02 January 2024 | Duncan Dornauf for Tasracing
All drivers have avoided serious injury after a race fall at St Marys on Monday afternoon.
The fall occurred in the running of the St Marys Pacing Cup when the runners made their way over the crossing soon after the start of the race, with seven of the nine runners falling and dislodging their drivers.
The on-track, club-appointed veterinarian cleared all horses of injury.
Three drivers were taken to hospital.
Brodie Davis was taken to the Mersey Community Hospital by family members after an ankle complaint and has subsequently been cleared.
Gareth Rattray, who was catapulted several metres in the air, was also transported to the Launceston General Hospital for further assessment and was discharged on Monday night.
Mark Yole was also transported to the Launceston General Hospital for precautionary scans, which came back clear, and he was discharged late on Monday night.
All other drivers escaped serious injury.
Stewards subsequently abandoned the race, as was the seventh race on the program.
The circumstances of the fall will be subject to a stewards inquiry.
Earlier in the day, Gareth Rattray drove the Kristy Butler-trained Our Shakalaka ($1.50 fav) to victory in the 6ty° Country Guineas.
The pacer galloped out early before being positioned in third placing, before leading the one-wide line from the 1200m.
The pacer put up a great battle with the leader Macaria ($3.30) in the home straight with a half-neck between them at the finish.
Rattray was also in the sulky on the Wayne Yole-trained Fleetwood Rock ($3.40) in race five to give the trainer his first win since April 2021.
Ben Yole kicked off 2024 with a training treble after the wins of Juniper ($4.20), Proficient ($5), and Hot Embers ($3.50).
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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