Special Report: Accident at Woodbine Wednesday June 17th, 2009

This report is not a topic normally covered by TTTI, however, there was an accident at Woodbine Racetrack this Wednesday June 17th, 2009 that involved three horses and would see two jockeys be taken to hospital due to injuries, while horse Oliver's Strike was pronounced dead on the scene.

Jockeys Chad Beckon and Simon Husbands were involved in a tragic accident on the Woodbine polytrack which also included a third horse and jockey Patrick Husbands, Simon's brother, who would luckily get out of the way in time. Beckon and Simon Husbands look to be seriously hurt as they lay unmoving on the track after the incident occured.

Oliver's Strike, a three-year-old gelding by prominent sire Smart Strike, with Beckon aboard would collapse coming toward the second turn of the mile and one-sixteenth third race, sending Beckon over top of the horse, only to be crushed under the falling equine. Behind Beckon and Oliver's Strike, in an instant, Husbands and his horse Kensington Oval, would come right on top of the two, catapulting Husbands off his mount to the ground so hard he bounced roughly twenty feet forward. Simon's brother Patrick would watch the accident unfold right in front of him as he pulled up his horse Naval Strike just in time to avoid further damages to the fallen riders and himself.

It was said on many news stations over radio and television that the riders conditions were unknown, but that they were taken to hospital to be treated for their injuries. Knowing many of the officials, trainers and jockeys at Woodbine, all the hearsay began to spread quickly. From very creditable sources, the word around the track is that Simon Husbands has a broken collarbone and some scrapes and bruises and is being treated by the medical staff at Etobicoke General, while Chad Beckon has not been so lucky. According to sources, Beckon was taken to Sunnybrook Hospital to the Intensive Care Unit as he had suffered a seizure, in an unconscious state, after the fall . Apparently the seizure had subsided leaving Beckon in a coma, whether the coma was induced by docters is unknown. It is heard that Beckon is in stable but critical condition at this point.

The news stations will also tell the public that the horse Oliver's Strike will be going to Guelph for an autopsy to answer the cause of death. TTTI had learned from the horse's trainer Mike Keogh, just after the race, that the horse was dead before the horse ambulance arrived, leaving no need to perform euthanasia. According to Keogh's source, thoughts would have that Oliver's Strike had succumbed to cardiac arrest, leaving the horse to topple forward by force of speed, eventually breaking both front legs of the equine athlete. These are the thoughts of experienced horsemen and not veterinarians, however, there is a likeliness that these horsemen have seen the likes of this accident before and their judgment is definitely justifiable.

TTTI would like to wish riders Chad Beckon and Simon Husbands speedy recoveries and hope to see them up and riding again in the near future. Also, to wish all the best to family and friends who are at Sunnybrook Hospital and Etobicoke General Hospital to be with Chad and Simon through their injuries. To Chad personally, don't give up, keep fighting to live another day.

****Update: The rumors of Simon Husbands collarbone being broken were just that. He is a little beat up with minor injuries to the left wrist and some scrapes and bruises, but he was on the Woodbine grounds today and ready to ride.

Apparently Chad Beckon has come out of his coma and is able to move all of his extemities and can recognize his wife, family and friends. He is still in pretty bad shape and will take a long time to recover. TTTI wishes Chad a speedy recovery.