Northfield: Handle nears $2 million Tuesday; $64K carryover on Wednesday

On its first card since returning to live racing following the COVID-19 pandemic, Northfield Park edged close to record territory as it handled $1,984,499 on the 15-race program.

The track record was set on January 4, 2003 when $2,267,914 was sent through the windows. Unlike Tuesday, that night featured on-track wagering, which is prohibited during the pandemic.

While the total handle should've been the only headline, that changed when an accident occurred heading to the three-quarter pole of race 13. Four horses and drivers went down. Tony Hall and Hunter Myers were transported to the hospital but alert, according to OHHA representative Amy Hollar. Chris Lems won the next race. Ryan Stahl is seemingly ok but was considering following up with medical professionals.

[UPDATE from OHHA 10:30 AM (5/27): Tony Hall has nine broken ribs and a crushed vertebrae. Hunter Myers has a fracture in his jaw. Both are still hospitalized. All horses from the accident are ok.]

Due to the accident, only four horses crossed the wire. According to Ohio wagering rules, when there is a carryover leading into the night, if fewer than five horses cross the wire, only 25% of the pool is paid out and the rest carries over to the following night. That has led to a $64,684 Super Hi-5 carryover in race 13 on Wednesday.

Post time on Wednesday is 6:00 PM.