Surgery for Trainer Norman After Accident

Trainer Cole Norman was injured in an all-terrain vehicle accident at his Haughton, La., home Dec. 19. Norman was scheduled to undergo surgery on his neck Wednesday at the LSU Medical Center near Shreveport, La.

Ben Glass, racing manager for Gary and Mary West Stables, which is one of Norman's biggest clients, said he had spoken with Norman's wife, Tamara, who said her husband is in good spirits and is in contact with his stable staff.

"She (Tamara) said if the surgery goes well, Cole should be out of the hospital in a couple of days," Glass said. "If all goes well, he won't have to wear the halo, but he will be fitted for neck brace. He's in real good spirits and he's calling his assistant telling him how to train the horses."

The accident occurred, Glass said, when Norman and a friend were aboard the four-wheel all-terrain mule on a hillside when the vehicle tipped over, rolling over the leg of his friend and injuring Norman.

Norman has won the past eight training titles at Louisiana Downs, and has five Oaklawn Park training titles to his credit.

According to statistics from Equibase, as of Dec. 20 Norman's stable has earned $4,237,853. He has 238 wins and 124 placings from 824 starts.

Norman is currently second in the trainer standings to Steve Asmussen at the Fair Grounds at Louisiana Downs meet.