Bizarre accident costs Alford another win

Chris Alford will continue the pursuit of 8,000 winners tonight after one of the more bizarre mishaps of his 40-year harness racing driving career.

Competing in the final race on Monday’s Maryborough card, Alford was clear in front with Luke Tabone-trained Park Lane when his gig broke apart near the 50m mark, allowing Dianne Giles’ mare Snazola to storm to victory down the outside.

Alford, 55, was dragged along the ground for a short time after the sulky collapsed, but escaped any serious injuries from the fall as drivers and horses behind him avoided any contact.

“I’m pretty lucky. All good, not even a scratch or a bruise,” Alford told RSN on Tuesday morning.

“It was like a bit of a shock really. I just quickly looked around to make sure no one was going to run over me and thankfully Mick Bellman and Jack Laugher were pretty quick on their feet, saw what happened and pulled opposite directions to miss me.”

LISTEN TO ALFORD CHAT WITH MATT NEVETT BELOW:

Alford said Park Lane was left a little perplexed after the race.

“I don’t think he knew what was going on really,” Alford said.

“One minute he’s going to win the race, next minute he’s running with a plow behind him digging up the track and it pulled him to a stop.”

Alford is currently on 7992 career winners and has four drives at tonight’s Melton meeting.

WATCH THE INCIDENT BELOW:

For complete race results, click here.

by Tim O’Connor, for Harness Racing Victoria