Driver hospitalized after horse racing accident at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows

WASHINGTON, Pa. (KDKA) – A driver was flown to the hospital following a horse racing accident over the weekend at The Meadows horse track in Washington.

Three drivers were involved in the accident. Two of the drivers were uninjured, but one driver had a scary moment.

In Saturday afternoon’s race, horse No. 7, ridden by Mike Wilder, was running in second place but lost his stride. A moment later, the wheels of two sulky wagons locked up and Wilder was violently thrown onto the track, where he lay unconscious.

Chuck Mull trains horses at the racetrack and also works in transportation. He says accidents like this are rare and difficult for the horse racing family.

“We hate to see this. It’s heartbreaking. Every horse lover feels for each other when something like this happens. Especially when it has to happen at a race track like this. We’re all in this together, you know, you work with friends and family.”

Mike Wilder’s wife, Heather Wilder, spoke to KDKA-TV on Monday.

“He is at home, resting and recovering. We live day by day and appreciate everyone’s concern and good wishes. We are lucky to be able to work with these wonderful animals that we consider our family,” she said.

While Mike Wilder is now recovering at home, his horse had to be put down after the accident – a painfully difficult matter, say those involved in the harness racing world. They say the animals are part of the family.

The other two drivers involved in the accident, Hunter Myers and Dave Palone, were uninjured and continued to perform their duties for the rest of the day.