Maria Perriton in stable condition

Press, 21 April 1986, Page 30

Maria Perriton in stable condition

The Marshland reinswoman, Maira Perriton, was in a stable condition in the intensive care ward at Ashburton Hospital yesterday after being injured in a fall at the Methven Trotting Club’s meeting on Saturday. Go Duke, which was driven by Perriton, was checked soon after the start of the Lyttles Transport Handicap, galloped and fell.

Periton’s injuries were sustained when the trailing Quarter Shares fell heavily on top of her. Ribs just under her left shoulder blade were broken and punctured her lunes.

“She is in quite good spirits,” said John Vincent, her employer, yesterday. "She will be unable to be moved for about a week.” Perriton suffered a broken collarbone in another race fall at Ashburton last September. An inquiry was held into the breaking of Go Duke.

It was found that Predericton (No. 1) and Nat (No. 3) both began slowly from the front line, with Go Duke, which had drawn the .second line, moving through between those horses. Nat broke for a stride, veered in slightly, and Go Duke struck the sulky of Nat. Golden Don (M. Edmonds), which started from barrier No. 6, began well and was moving the field at the

time of the incident but did not cause interference.

The committee decided that there had been a general tightening and no driver was culpable. The charge of careless driving against Edmonds was dismissed.