by Ken Weingartner, Harness Racing Communications

Freehold, NJ — Driver Jim Meittinis remains hospitalized with fractures of three vertebrae as the result of a racing accident April 24 at Freehold Raceway.

USTA photo

Jim Meittinis

The 44-year-old Meittinis was thrown from the sulky when pacer Drell N began galloping as the field passed the half-mile point in the 11th race. Meittinis was struck by one of the sulky wheels of driver Jim Pantaleano, who also was unseated while driving Three Ten. Pantaleano continued competing on the card and won two races later.

Meittinis was taken to the trauma center at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. He was released from the trauma center on Sunday, but remains in the hospital.

“We’re dealing with it,” Meittinis said Monday afternoon. “I guess depending how I’m doing will determine when they’ll release me. There’s a lot of pain, still. I’m not going anywhere right now.”

A native of Queens, New York, who lives now in central New Jersey, Meittinis has won 1,472 races during his career.

“I want to thank all my friends and fellow horsemen for all their calls and show of support,” Meittinis said. “I appreciate it all very much.”