David Miles and Richie Caruana are on the road to recovery from similar injuries after sickening falls at Maryborough on Monday.
Both drivers sustained heavy blows to the head and wrist fractures in the incident, which occurred at about the 400m mark during the final lap of the Don’t Miss Out On The VHRC Bonuses 3YO Maiden Pace.
Caruana’s horse See You There had been racing outside the leader when she broke and dislodged the 48-year-old from the sulky, with her actions causing Miss Tyler – who was driven by Miles and had been trailing that rival – to stumble. Miles was also unseated after being struck in the back by Michael Bellman’s drive Madam Auckland.
Miles, who has driven more than 700 winners in a long career as a reinsman, was transported to hospital in Bendigo, where he remained until late that evening.
The battered and bruised 48-year-old told thetrots.com.au that he had sustained multiple fractures in the left wrist and would be returning to hospital for surgery.
Caruana, who has driven 36 winners, was taken to hospital in Ballarat, where he remained overnight.
His brother-in-law Eddie Rizzo spoke to thetrots.com.au and said the 48-year-old had also sustained a broken wrist, which was to be operated on today.
The two horses involved in the incident both suffered skin wounds and have been stood down from racing for a period of 10 days.
Meanwhile, Simon Turnbull continues his recovery following a serious fall at Shepparton on June 30.
Turnbull was driving High Flux when he choked down and went to ground, which resulted in the 47-year-old sustaining a broken collarbone, two broken ribs and a punctured lung.
No surgery was required for the Merigum horseman, who continues to rest up.
