It was a tough day at the office for Terang trainer and driver Matt Craven at the Stawell Harness Racing Club meeting last week.
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Craven started the day off well with a win in the Doctor DC Three Year Old Pace.
Terang trained three year old gelding, Okelerho Lad, led at the bell before crossing the line ahead of the pack.
"It was good. I got him out in front early, had a good draw to lead and a nice run down the straight," Craven said.
The only real threat to Okelerho Lad was Our Petite Soeur who came home strongly down the outside.
The three year old, to his credit, held on and provided Craven with his only winner for the day.
Prior to his race at Stawell, Okelerho Lad finished a creditable fourth at Ballarat.
Craven was pleased to bring up the horse's maiden win.
"He is a fine horse," he said.
"He's not too much work between races, so it's good for him to have a win."
It was the following race where trouble struck.
Matt Craven had picked up an extra drive behind Dutton Way.
Approximately 50 metres after the bell in the Weekly Advertiser 3WM Vicbred Pace, Dutton Way was severely checked by Peaceful Grin after a lock of wheels.
Craven was tipped out of the driver's seat and narrowly escaped injury.
Dutton Way continued without his driver for a further 200 metres before he also went down.
Vets examined the horse after the race to find no serious injuries.