by Don Bielak , Freehold Raceway Publicity Director

FREEHOLD, NJ – – Freehold Raceway will conduct a special, 12 race card of live harness racing action on Monday, in honor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. First post has been set for 12:30 p.m.

Driver Jeff Gregory will be out of action indefinitely as the result of injuries he sustained in an accident which occurred in the tenth race at Freehold on Friday.

The mishap took place when the leader, Fairy Tale Merit, driven by Yannick Gingras, went offstride and started a chain reaction of interference among the trailing horses. Most notably, Avacal Hope, which was being driven by Gregory, dug his toes into the track and fell. Gregory landed hard on the track, and was also hit by horses who were racing behind him.

Gregory was transported to Centra State Hospital in Freehold, where he was diagnosed with a broken left hip. Gregory underwent surgery on Friday night and three screws were inserted to stabilize the injury. Doctors have informed Gregory’s wife, Helen, that he will not be able to put pressure on the hip for at least six weeks and that his return to driving will be delayed for an indefinite period of time.

At the time of his injury, Gregory occupied second place in the Freehold drivers’ standings, trailing only Cat Manzi in the number of victories during the 2004-2005 season.