SAMANTHA OTTLEY TO RECOVER FROM RACE SKIRMISH
Overport Lodge foreperson and successful reinswoman Samantha Ottley won’t return until December at the earliest after her luckless racefall at Methven on Sunday, October 18.
She has told boss Mark Jones that she will be sidelined for at least six weeks to allow a chip to her vertebrae to mend.
“Its a shame as we have a few coming up to race but that is the least issue,” Mark said.
“Her well being is the most important thing and it is great news she will make a full recovery.”
Sam was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time when back in the running driving Maximus Prime when the strongly-fancied Emmanuel (Natalie Rasmussen) slipped and fell in a forward position turning for home in the C1 3000m pace at Methven.
She was unable to avoid the skirmish being catapulted in the air and landing on her tailbone as four horses and drivers went down.
No risks were taken with the seriousness of the injury. She was transferred by Westpac helicopter to hospital for assessment following the accident.
The other drivers and fallen horses and drivers all escaped without serious injury, with Natalie Rasmussen electing to fulfill her engagement behind Messini, who took out the Terror To Love Methven Cup.
Mark replaced Sam behind stable runner Louie Finn in the ensuing Tinwald Liquorland Mobile Pace.
However, the the horse wasn’t happy in the score-up, tangling and settling back, then running on late for eighth, 4.5 lengths from upset winner Fulham Royale.
By Jeff Scott