Nathan Williamson can be seen lying prone on the Alexandra Park race track after the seat on his cart appeared to break during a harness racing event last night. Williamson was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Photo / Screengrab from video
Nathan Williamson can be seen lying prone on the Alexandra Park race track after the seat on his cart appeared to break during a harness racing event last night. Williamson was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Photo / Screengrab from video
Harness racing driver Nathan Williamson has been seriously injured after the seat on his cart appeared to collapse metres from the finish line, tipping him into the path of following racers on the Alexandra Park track.
Footage of the incident shows the Invercargill-based trainer and another driver leading the packin the Group 1 Queen of Hearts event last night when Williamson’s seat suddenly dropped, causing him to fall backwards on to the track.
“The seat fell off, Nathan Williamson fell off, oh no,” the race commentator said as the incident unfolded.
“Oh, stunning scenes at Alexandra Park.”
It’s not immediately clear if the married father was struck by following racers, but a Hato Hone St John Ambulance spokeswoman said they were called to an incident at the central Auckland racetrack at 8.14pm.
“[We sent] one ambulance and one rapid response unit to the scene. Our crews assessed and treated one patient, who was transported to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.”
“Thank you for all the messages of support for Nathan and family. An update will be posted when available.”
The post had received almost 200 reactions and more than 20 comments by 9.30am.
“Our prayers are with Nathan. Hoping for a quick recovery for our champion trainer”, wrote one supporter.
In a video posted to the Track Chat NZ Facebook page soon after last night’s incident, viewers were told of “horrific scenes here at Alexandra Park in the Group 1 Queen of Hearts”.
“The ambulance officers [were] obviously with Nathan as soon as possible, getting the best care he can.”
Captain’s Mistress had been caught “without drama and was escorted off the track safely”, she said.
“Our thoughts are certainly with Nathan and everyone involved at this time.”
Cherie Howie is an Auckland-based reporter who joined the Herald in 2011. She has been a journalist for more than 20 years and specialises in general news and features.
