Ellis tractor driver passes..

[Kasept]

https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-rac...ical-emergency

The tractor driver at Ellis Park who suffered a medical emergency while operating a tractor July 23 has died, the Henderson, Ky., track announced in a July 27 statement.

"It is with great sadness that I must announce today the passing of Dorris 'Heavy' Watson, a 20-year member of our Ellis Park family," read the statement sent by Alison Nicholson, Ellis Park marketing manager, advertising and public relations. "Last Friday afternoon, he was taken to the hospital after experiencing a medical emergency while operating a tractor. Heavy started at Ellis Park in 1997, and was a constant and beloved presence, particularly on the backside track area. Heavy will be missed by all of us that were blessed to know him.

"At this time we do not have information on service arrangements, we will share them as soon as they are released."

Watson suffered a medical emergency during track maintenance prior to the fifth race Friday that resulted in the tractor hitting the inner rail of the dirt track. He was taken to the hospital via ambulance and not identified at the time, with Ellis Park citing health privacy laws.

The rail was damaged at about the sixteenth pole and was unable to be immediately repaired, forcing the fifth and seventh races to be moved from the main track to the turf before the rail was repaired overnight and during the next morning.