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Bad accidents at Hawthorne

A veteran rider and an up-and-coming star were injured during the running of Hawthorne Race Course's third race Friday.

Randy Meier, 53, of Illinois and Lyndie Wade, 16, of Louisiana, were transported to Loyola Hospital in Maywood. Wade was unconscious for several hours, according to his agent, Jay Fedor.

Fedor reported Wade to be heavily sedated but in conscious, stable condition Friday evening. Fedor added that Wade suffered a collapsed lung, had some broken ribs and slight bleeding on the brain.

"Surgery isn't expected," said Fedor, who also said Wade is being monitored closely.

Meier, who injured his left shoulder and arm, "was busted up pretty good," Fedor said.

Chestnut Gold, ridden by Wade, broke down coming out of the far turn. She was euthanized following the race. Meier's Arazi Lady appeared to trip over Chestnut Gold, throwing Meier to the ground.

Wade, an apprentice jockey, moved to the area about six weeks ago, Fedor said.

In Friday's sixth race, leading rider Tim Thornton was thrown from his mount at the start. Thornton also went to Loyola for X-rays and apparently injured his ribs, according to his agent, Jimmy Ernesto.

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