Yesterday morning during slow trackwork, the horse Nigel was riding collapsed, dumped Nigel and rolled over him. Nigel has sustained a collapsed lung, rib fractures and concussion. This concussion is causing some concern to one of his eyes but Nigel and Susanna remain hopeful that is only short term.
In coming hours and days, Susanna will receive further information from the Ballarat hospital. But Nigel is in good spirits, albeit it discomfort.
Meanwhile, please use the email address racing@blackistonracing.com.au for all racing-related matters.
We have an opportunity to temporarily move some stabled horses in slow work, early in their preparations, to Leneva Park to continue their fitness groundwork. More about that in the next day or so and we will advise the owners of those horses.
Thanks to all service providers such as Leneva Park, Shadow Hill Thoroughbreds, South West Horse Transport and Equivets, and to the terrific community at Ballarat for their support.
Please bear with us as we all get up to speed, ensure racing preparations are uninterrupted and our stable staff are adequately supported. Our staff have been working extra hard lately and this injury to Nigel makes it harder. We are doing everything we can to make some urgent changes for the next couple of weeks at least to ensure the welfare of our staff and horses under our care.
Updates on each horse will be provided to owners over the course of this week.