Benjamin Butcher sidelined for up to six weeks

Northern reinsman Benjamin Butcher is out of hospital after a race smash at Alexandra Park on Friday that could have ended so much worse.

Butcher was thrown to track soon after the start of the Race 5 when his filly Iron Heart galloped and collided with the stablemate following it, Always B Misty.

In the mess that followed both Butcher and Always B Misty’s driver Joshua Dickie were thrown to the track and the race was abandoned.

Butcher was knocked out for a short time but Dickie was able to walk back to the stables then soon stood himself down from driving for the remainder of the night.

Butcher was taken to Auckland Hospital but after staying the night was released on Saturday, albeit a bit worse for wear.

“He has got a broken shoulder and concussion,” says brother Zachary, who was driving right alongside his brother when the accident happened.

“He is pretty sore and it sounds like he will be out of driving at the races for six weeks.

“But I think everybody is aware how much worse it could have been so we are all pretty relieved.”

While none of the horses involved were seriously hurt Iron Heart had several lacerations according to Stonewall Stud owner Steve Stockman and will be spelled to let her recover but Always B Misty should be good to continue her spring campaign.

by Michael Guerin, for Harness Racing New Zealand