Racing: Butcher hurt in mishap

Cambridge horseman David Butcher. File photo / NZME.

Injured star Cambridge horseman David Butcher is on the improve after a horror accident that could see him in hospital until next season.

Butcher has been in Waikato Hospital with internal injuries since last Tuesday after being kicked by a horse he trained.

He has damage to his spleen, bowel and pancreas but son, and also leading driver, Zac, says his father's condition is improving.

"He had the tubes he had in him removed yesterday and that has made him a lot happier, according to Mum," said Zac yesterday.

"She is saying he could still be in hospital for another month but Dad being Dad, he is saying he will be out in a week.

"But it looks like he will be away from driving for a while.

"He copped both barrels [kicked by both rear legs] and it knocked him a couple of metres backwards so it was a nasty accident."

It is Butcher's second serious injury in the past 18 months but it will not threaten his career which has already seen him win an Inter Dominion, New Zealand, Auckland and Hunter Cup.