by T.J. Burkett, Hoof Beats Interim Executive Editor

Hazel Park, MI — Driver Charles M. Taylor broke several ribs and his thoracic and lumbar vertebrae in an accident at the start of the fourth race Saturday night (Aug. 14) at Hazel Park Raceway.

Tibor Cypress, driven by Mark Webster, became tangled with Sailor’s Fortune, driven by David Knorpp. The chain reaction affected Starlyte Vic and Taylor, who was dumped to the track.

Taylor was taken to William Beaumont Hospital, where he remained overnight with bleeding on the brain. According to his wife, Sue, he is conscious and talking, but does not remember the accident.

Four horses were scratched from the race, but are all in good condition, according to track management. Webster suffered a broken rib, but remained on his drives for the rest of the night.

Taylor, 52, of Albion, had won 31 races in 326 starts this year. He has 1,977 career wins with $6,329,347 in lifetime purse earnings.