Win the final race at Racecourse Saratoga August 3 brings smiles and high claps from welcoming little entourage Church Beach , owned by Thoroughbred Acquisition Group, in the winner’s circle. Most of the 25,596 crowds departed long ago on the hot and humid Summer Spa day.
The biggest smile went to trainer George Weaver, who took an emotional roller coaster ride last month. The 51-year-old Louisville, Ky., has trained his horses all spring and summer at Racecourse Saratogabut his thoughts were elsewhere.
They were with his best friend, his wife, Cindy Hutter, an accomplished horsewoman who, in addition to her husband’s assistant, was also a stable gymnast.
Hutter is receiving treatment at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, recovering from a severe traumatic brain injury while exercising horses from a stable on the Oklahoma Practice Road on July 3.
In the last month, Weaver has experienced more lows than highs. The only thing he wants is for his wife to get well.
There are already signs that are starting to happen.
“She had a good week last week,” Weaver said, accepting well wishes and support from people he knew and people he wasn’t at the Spa club. “She’s improving. She wants us to come out here and win races and hold the fort. So that’s what we’re doing.”
Hutter was transferred to a Boston hospital nearly two weeks ago from Albany Medical Center, where she received initial treatment following the accident.
Weaver said his wife is awake and working tirelessly to rehabilitate.
“She’s a tough girl,” Weaver said. “But she also has work to do. They’re helping her pretty hard with physical therapy, and when she’s done with that, she’s pretty tired. She’s just coming back here. “
Weaver and his son, Ben, spent time with Hutter in Boston. It’s hard not to be there every day but there is a cage to run in. His wife wouldn’t expect anything more. Other family members and friends also stayed with Hutter as she continued rehab.
When the injury first struck, Hutter, 57, remained unconscious for several weeks before coming out of it. The process is slow. It was frustrating. It was scary.
The accident happened while Hutter was galloping a 3-year-old boy named Vindate when the horse suddenly collapsed and died. When the horse fell, she pinned Hutter underneath her. Weaver also owns and bred Mshawish dirty.
“You know, we really didn’t know what to expect,” Weaver said. “It’s scary when you start reading about head injuries. There’s really no guarantee and still no guarantee. But she knows who we are. She talks to us and she’s acting. physical therapy. Right now, we’re happy with how things are going.”
The end goal is when Weaver and his son can bring their wives and mothers home.
“We’re looking forward to that,” Weaver said. “It will probably take a while. She has a long way to go, but last week was very good.”
