Five drivers were injured at Freehold Raceway on Jan. 10. The incident occurred at the start of the fifth race in Freehold’s first turn, where the starting car spun around toward the inside of the track as horses ran into the vehicle.
“The first four races were completed without incident,” Freehold General Manager Howard Bruno said in a press release. “We hadn’t seen anything in the prior races that gave us cause for concern leading up to the fifth race.
“Several drivers are receiving medical attention, and right now our thoughts and concerns are with them,” Bruno added at the time.
The drivers receiving medical treatment were Cat Manzi (who drove Big Sky Angelian), Debra Rucker (Silver Delivery), Vincent Ginsburg (Redwhitenbluestone), Chris Scicluna (Brilliant Chef) and Jim Pantaleano (Muscleslikesparty). All horses were reported to be fine following the accident. The fifth race card was declared a “no contest,” and the balance of the eleven-race card was cancelled. Freehold Raceway updated the condition of the five drivers on Jan. 11 on its Facebook page. Hall of Famer Manzi and Rucker were still hospitalized at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. Manzi has a punctured lung and multiple rib fractures, while Rucker suffered a hematoma in the leg and a concussion.
Pantaleano received a concussion, as well as a bruised shoulder and ankle, but he suffered no fractures or broken bones. Ginsburg and Scicluna also suffered concussions. All three were released on the evening of Jan. 10.
A sixth driver, Rich Pantano, was also involved in the incident, but he required no medical treatment.
A meeting of horsemen and track management will take place on Jan. 15 in the Renaissance Room at Freehold Raceway.
Bruno and Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey President Tom Luchento will be among those addressing track conditions and other matters.
The meeting will begin at 4 p.m.
All interested parties are invited to attend.