Accidents Mar Matinee at Scarborough Downs

Michael M. Sweeney for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, Maine – Two separate incidents cast a pall over the Preakness Day program at Scarborough Downs on Saturday as raceway accidents occurred in back to back races.

Clear The Board N made a misstep while on the lead in race eight, causing an unavoidable pile-up just past the quarter marker. Drivers Shane Taggart (Clear The Board N) and Shawn Gray (Ships Mutiney) were both unseated but were able to contain control of their horses while the race continued. Both drivers were examined by racetrack EMTs following the race and were released to drive on the remainder of the program.

Clear The Board N suffered a fractured foreleg and was euthanized by state veterinarian Lowell Pease. The 13-year-old veteran campaigner –winner of 30 races and $157,700 lifetime --was owned and loved by Myron Phinney of Gorham, Maine.

"That horse was Mr. Phinney’s pet" said state steward, Dennis May. "Myron brought him to the track every day this winter to get him ready for racing – he was religious about it. The horse was shiny and in great condition. This is tragic for him -- Myron is understandably upset."

Another incident occurred in the very next race as Hot Shark (Robert Dinning), Mister Mercouri (Drew Campbell) and Curley Q Mouse (Louis Gasbarro, III) tumbled over one another going into the first turn. Dinning and Gasbarro were unseated and thrown into the infield as their horses continued loose on the track.

Curley Q Mouse, however, quickly reversed course -- heading directly into the path of the oncoming Hot Shark. The horses avoided a head on collision, but hooked sulkies, causing Hot Shark to fall to the ground where he was quickly attended to. Gasbarro recovered from his spill in time to corral Curley Q Mouse who slowed down and appeared to seek the safe grasp of his driver after recognizing him on the track

Gasbarro and both horses were treated for minor cuts and abrasions.

Robert Dinning was treated trackside, and then transported to Southern Maine Medical Center in Portland for further observation after complaining of shoulder and head pains. He was responsive and cognitive and his condition will be updated as details emerge.

Scarborough Downs proudly features live harness action every Monday, Tuesday and Saturday afternoon with first post scheduled for 3:45 pm (EDT). The popular Sunday matinees get underway quite promptly at 12:05 pm

.