Freehold: Drivers Cat Manzi, Jeff Gregory injured in spill

Drivers Cat Manzi and Jeff Gregory are in area hospitals with fractures after being involved in a multi-horse accident in the fourth race on Friday, September 6, 2013 at Freehold Raceway.

Manzi, 63, a Hall of Fame driver with 14,789 career victories, was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ where it was determined he has fractures of the pelvis on both sides, according to his wife, Ellen Manzi.

Gregory, 47, with 6,635 career victories, has a broken left elbow, according his wife, Helene Gregory. He was taken to CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, NJ.

All the horses were reported to be okay.

The spill began at the top of the stretch when Matt’s Smokin Lil, driven by Gregory of East Windsor, NJ, fell, setting off a chain reaction. Manzi, who resides in Freehold, NJ, was unseated while driving Fantail Hanover

Also not finishing the race were Vincent Ginsburg with My Qp Doll, and Jack Baggitt Jr. with Look Siera.

Only three horses contended for the finish: Superstar Dream with Eric Abbatiello was the winner over Dawg’s Buddy and Messie Hanover.

--edited release, Carol Hodes for SBOANJ