Drivers sent flying in harness race collision

Popular harness racing trainer-driver Adrian Duggan remains in the Launceston General Hospital as a result of injuries sustained in a horrific three-horse pile-up in a harness race. See the incredible photo that captured the moment of the crash >>

Adrian Duggan flies above Conor Crook and John Walters during a crash at Mowbray on Sunday night. Both Adrian Duggan and Conor Crook were taken to hospital. Picture: STACEY LEAR

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POPULAR harness racing trainer-driver Adrian Duggan remains in the Launceston General Hospital as a result of injuries sustained in a horrific three-horse pile-up in a harness race in Launceston on Sunday night.

The Brighton-based horseman suffered a compound fracture of his left ankle and a broken toe. He also was unconscious for more than five minutes as he lay facedown on the track. Duggan had two steel rods surgically placed on either side of his left foot to stabilise the ankle, but he requires more surgery to repair two breaks in his ankle and other broken bones in his foot.

Horse Cunning Fox with trainer Adrian Duggan at his Brighton stables.

Surgeons were concerned about the knock to his head, but the latest scans have revealed no abnormality and he is expected to regain full memory within seven to 10 days.

Another of the state’s leading drivers, Conor Crook, also was knocked out and remained unconscious for a similar amount of time. He was hospitalised, and discharged on Monday, with severe bruising his only legacy from the fall.

John Walters was tipped out of his sulky and hit the track hard, but he was cleared to continue driving that night.

But when he arrived home he was in a lot of pain and was taken to the LGH where he was diagnosed with torn ligaments in his right foot.

“It wasn’t until I got home and had cooled down that the pain started and the foot started to swell. It was a nasty incident and I feel for the other boys because they copped the worst of it,” Walters said.

Siggy Carr celebrates her 300th winner abroad outsider Sentry Duty trained by Adrian Duggan. Pic: Tasracing

The incident happened as the horses were about to be released by the starter, with Crook’s horse Cranbe Doc the first to fall after galloping, which sent Crook skyward before crashing to the track. Walters was flung sideways when his horse Rockandahardplace was unable to avoid the fallen horse and it too crashed to the track.

Duggan tried desperately to restrain his horse Major Davvin, but the gelding ran into the back of the fallen sulkies that sent the driver flying through the air. Duggan and Crook lay motionless on the track as paramedics scurried to attend to the fallen drivers.

Duggan’s wife Amanda said: “Adrian said he was thankful for all the wellwishers who have shown concern.”

Major Davvin suffered a cut that required stitches and the other two horses involved suffered minor abrasions.