The master driver Anthony Butt was exposed to thousands of times in front of the Gurtstnstartter, but admits that he was “never so frightened” like a broken piece left him helpless last Friday evening in Melton (April 11).
Butt was drawn in the first row of Kota Bharu, which was unbalanced and galloped shortly after the ninth race. Butt went immediately to hold back the gelding, but when the piece broke, he had no control at all.
“It was practical as soon as the gate went. He was only screwed and I was fine until we struck a bit after a ditch. I saw it, but it happened so quickly and I had no steering, so I couldn't do much about it,” said Butt 59.
“I was thrown in the air. I landed with my back on the wagon arch on the stambling sheet. I was lucky that the stampling tile was acting as a hammock. I was aware of what was going on, but everything outside of my control.”
After the horse was straight from the route in the back, it crossed the infield towards the house.
“I was so lucky, especially when he went from the inside of the route and just galloped right in front of the other runners in the house,” said Butt.
“Then we hit the outside fence, and I was sure that the car would flip off. But it didn't do it and we galloped down the route and scrapped the outer fence.
“An employee of the Taylah course (Markham) arrived to catch the horse, and luckily I had a head belt with a head tree (for a towing rod) and that gave Taylah something that I could grab.
“He is a humorous horse and I was still worried that he could free himself. As soon as she pulled him up, I just rolled on the track!”
Butt, who, in collaboration with his fiance Sonya Smith, trained a team in Harkness near Melton, was taken to the hospital, where he stayed overnight.
“I was released at lunchtime and doctors found that I have two broken vertebrae in my lower back. My left leg is sore, so I have to get a decent knocking there and apart from that I am a bit beaten and squeezed,” he said.
“I don't need an operation and they told me that the vertebrae will heal alone. I sleep okay and the main problem is to climb up and down.”
Butt, which is one of the most decorated riders in Australasia and a winner of almost 1400 races, including 69 groups, said it was his most grave racing incident.
“I injured a few ribs, a knee and an elbow, so I was lucky. Over the years, a few things have happened at home, but that was the worst thing I happened in the races,” he said.
“I am so careful with my equipment and have everything in great order, so I'm a little disappointed that the piece breaks.
“Fortunately, I put this stick strap on all my horses because it is something you get for you when you remove the halter.
“I am really grateful to the employees, the route staff and everyone else who helped – we are really a large family when such things happen.”
Butt said he was grateful that his son Riley could take the horse home.
“We currently have 10 horses at work and Sonya is responsible for the time being – and takes care of me a bit!”
Out of Terry Walk For Hartnesslink
