by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — That driving horses in a race carries with it some inherent danger is not exactly a news flash — but who knew pulling them up afterward did, too?

Such was the saga of Brent Holland, who is out indefinitely after fracturing his right ankle this past Saturday night (Dec. 3).

The incident occurred at the conclusion of Yonkers Raceway’s featured $38,000 Open Pace. Holland had just finished second with Rojette’s Best, while Jim Pantaleano wound up fourth with Foreign Officer.

Mike Lizzi photo

Brent Holland

“Right after the race, my horse made a break,” Holland said. “His front feet became tangled, and that’s when everything started.

“I wound up standing straight up in the stirrups, the horse was about to go down and Jimmy’s horse was about to run into us.

“I can’t say for sure when the ankle actually broke. What I know is that I was trying to stay on top of my horse’s head to keep him down, but the pain was too much and I just rolled inside the pylons.”

Both drivers were taken to Lawrence Hospital (Bronxville, N.Y.) and released a few hours later. Holland is scheduled to see an orthopedist Tuesday to be fitted for a hard cast. He’s been told surgery is not required and he’s hoping to return in about six to eight weeks.

Rojette’s Best was down on the track for several minutes, but did get up. Foreign Officer, meanwhile, made his way to the infield, where he patiently waited to be “rescued.”

The 40-year-old Holland currently ranks fifth in the local driver standings with 179 wins to go along with $3.8 million in purses.

Pantaleano, 49, seventh in local wins (145) with $3.5 million in purses, resumed driving Monday night.

“When we crossed the wire, I was tight to Brent’s horse,” Pantaleano said. “Then, I heard him yell, ‘Hey, Hey,’ and the next thing I saw, his horse was laying on the track. My inside wheel caught his bike, and I dinged my head.

“I really don’t remember what happened right after that. In fact, one of the trainers told me he saw me run toward the outside fence and just sort of get down in a ball. I had no idea.

“I wound up getting eight stitches in my right forearm, but other than that, I’m good to go,” Pantaleano said. “I’m really sorry for Brent. It was just one of those things and I hope he’s back soon.”