Three-horse accident mars race

EDMONTON, Alberta - Forever Rascal was the upset winner in a field of 11 for last Saturday's 1 1/16-mile Count Lathum at Northlands Park, the final major local prep for the $300,000 Canadian Derby here Aug. 28. The race, however, was marred by a three-horse spill that cost the life of Lonesome Leo, who fractured his right front leg when he stumbled down the backstretch under jockey Chris McGregor.

Vancouver invader Hotenuforyoo, with Rickey Walcott aboard, also went down when Lonesome Leo fell right in front of him, with Alberta Derby champion Knight's Covenant also falling.

McGregor, who came out of retirement to ride this year, suffered a broken arm, and his boot had to be cut off after Hotenuforyoo stepped on his foot.

Leanne Painter, on Knight's Covenant, had a foot injury and a bump on her head and booked off her Sunday mounts. Walcott walked away from the spill.

Forever Rascal ($47.60) surged on the extreme outside to get up by a neck over Courtney Bay, with 5-2 favorite Dakota Duke another half-length back.

Forever Rascal, racing on Lasix for the first time and with Real Simard aboard, was making his first start since a sixth-place finish in the June 18 Alberta Derby.

Forever Rascal was making his eighth start for trainer Kelly Robinson and the Lomar Stable of Gordon Wilson and his daughter, Melanie. Wilson and his son, Scott, won the 2000 Canadian Derby with the homebred Scotman.