Latest Details on Racing Accident Sunday at Fonner Park

3.3.2024

Hear a complete interview with Fonner CEO Chris Kotulak at the bottom of the page

A freak accident resulted in a racing mishap that occurred in the eighth and final race of the March 3rd, Sunday afternoon of racing at Fonner Park.

As the field of eight fillies and mares raced into the far turn, the #3 horse ran up onto the heels of the #4 horse racing directly in front of her and clipped heels. This caused #3 to fall along with her jockey, Ricardo Martinez. Which initiated the #5 horse to fall with her jockey John Jude, and the #8 horse to fall with jockey Bryan McNeil. 

As the race continued, #5 (Spry Charlie) got up and began to run riderless in the opposite direction on the racetrack. As the race was nearing completion, outrider Bo Butler was on his patrol horse near the first turn and was able to catch Spry Charlie as she approached the oncoming field of racehorses at the race completion. Just as Butler had gathered-up Spry Charlie the field of horses raced by Butler after the finish. Horse #8 (JPs Harley Glider) who got up after she fell in the far turn, ran riderless behind the field of horses in front of her. Just as she passed this finish line, she collided at near full speed with Bo Butler on his horse as he was containing Spry Charlie.

Bo Butler’s horse was euthanized on the track as a result of the incident, as was JPs Harley Glider. Ricardo Martinez’s mount, #3 Dial Uncle Joey, died on the racetrack believed as the result of a broken neck from the fall. All jockeys were coherent when transported to St. Francis Hospital. Bo Butler was also conscious upon reaching the hospital.

“It makes me sick to my stomach to see any horse or its rider be involved in such a horrifying tragedy. Today’s accident was a stark reminder of the ever-present hazard of horseracing. The jockey’s and outrider were performing their dangerous professions, which the vast majority of the time ends without incident,” said Chris Kotulak, Fonner Park CEO. “I was pleased to see the incredibly quick reaction from all of the first responders. All of my staff, security and the emergency medical personnel did exactly what they have been trained to do.”

Please contact ckotulak@fonnerpark.com for any follow-up questions

3.4.2024

INJURY REPORT REGARDING RACING ACCIDENT AT FONNER PARK ON 3.3.2024

JOCKEYS:
JOHN JUDE: a finger fracture; treated and released.
RICARDO MARTINEZ: treated and released; undergoing standard concussion follow-up protocol.
BRYAN MCNEIL: will undergo surgery today for repair of a fracture humerus bone; also suffered a separated shoulder.

OUTRIDER:
BO BUTLER: undergoing standard concussion follow-up protocol; pneumothorax injury (air between lung and
chest wall); significant bruising on entire left side of his body.