Driver hospitalized after crash during horse race at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows
WASHINGTON, Pa. (KDKA) -- A driver was flown to the hospital after a horse racing accident over the weekend at The Meadows racetrack in Washington.
Three drivers were involved in the accident. Two of the drivers were not injured, but for one driver, it was a scary moment.
During the Saturday afternoon race, horse No. 7, driven by Mike Wilder, was in second place but broke stride. A moment later, the wheels of two sulkies locked, and Wilder was thrown violently to the track, where he would lay unconscious.
Chuck Mull exercises horses at the track and is also involved in transport. He says accidents like this are rare and difficult for the horse racing family.
"We hate to see it. It's a very heartbreaking thing. Every horseman feels for each other when that has to happen. Especially, when it has to happen on a horse track like that. We're all in this together, you know, you're working with friends, [and] family."
Mike Wilder's wife, Heather Wilder, communicated with KDKA-TV on Monday.
"He is at home, resting and recovering. We are taking it one day at a time and appreciate everyone's concern and well wishes. We are blessed to work together with these amazing animals that we consider family," she said.
While Mike Wilder is now recovering at home, his horse had to be euthanized after the accident; a painfully difficult thing to do, according to all who are part of this harness racing world. They say the animals become family.
The two other drivers involved in the accident, Hunter Myers and Dave Palone, escaped uninjured and completed their assignments for the rest of the day.