Wilder, Killeen back driving after accident

WASHINGTON, PA, Oct. 12, 2022 — Harness racing drivers Mike Wilder and Jack Killeen, who were involved in a scary-looking race mishap Tuesday (Oct. 11) at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, suffered no serious injuries and resumed driving Wednesday afternoon.

The accident occurred in the 10th race when Wilder’s horse, Cheddarontheside, broke stride and fell in the paddock turn past the half, unseating Wilder.

Killeen also was unseated when he could not avoid the fallen duo with his horse, Judge Joy Bean, although video of the race doesn’t clearly indicate if other horses contacted Wilder while he was prone on the track.

“It felt like I got three or four good hits,” Wilder said.

Killeen walked off under his own power, but Wilder was transported to a local hospital for evaluation, which was largely positive.

“Luckily, nothing was broken,” said Wilder, 50, who has collected more than 8,700 wins in his distinguished career. “I have soreness and swelling in both legs, but I feel better if I’m moving, so I’ll give it a whirl today (Wednesday). It could have been way worse.”

It was ironic that the mishap involved Wilder and Killeen, since Killeen, a young Irishman who relocated here to pursue a driving career, lived with the Wilder family while getting settled in the U.S.

“He feels terrible about it, but I told him, it’s part of the game. It’s a part we don’t like, but don’t worry about it,” Wilder said.

He expressed thanks to the well-wishers who phoned him and the horsemen who helped him Wednesday morning with his recently acquired babies.

“You don’t know it until something happens to you, but I have a really good support group,” he said.