Trainer/driver Tony Xiriha.
Kyneton reinsman Tony Xiriha has been ruled out of the sulky indefinitely after a horrible fall at Stawell trots on Wednesday, July 22.
Xiriha and trainer/driver Anthony O’Connor both came off their horses Good Looka and Peters Passion in the 2175-metre trot.
O’Connor sustained broken ribs and a collapsed lung and spent time in Warrnambool hospital, while Xiriha was airlifted to Melbourne where he stayed in hospital until being discharged on Saturday night.
Xiriha broke his hand in the fall and has had several scans on his neck region as doctors try to find out what is behind his neck pain.
The popular trainer/driver also has very limited memory of the day, explaining that he recalls “scoring up before the race and I vaguely remember the helicopter”.
“The nurse said I’d cracked vertebrae in my neck and I got a neck brace, and as I was leaving the hospital a nurse said I didn’t have a crack,” Xiriha said.
“I took the brace off for the first time the other day to have a shower and it was a big mistake.
“I’ve had a massive headache and I’ll be heading back to the doctors today.”
Xiriha is still suffering the effects of severe concussion.
“I’ll talk to you today and may not remember it tomorrow,” he said.
“I know they said I was talking to the stewards and the first aid officials on track, but I can’t recall.”
Despite the injuries Xiriha continues his work around the stables.
“I just went and fed the horses before ... it’s a battle,” he said.
Xiriha said he’d been buoyed by well-wishes in person and via social media.
“It’s much appreciated."
Media enquiries:
CODY WINNELL
COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA MANAGER
HARNESS RACING VICTORIA
PO BOX 184, MOONEE PONDS, VIC 3039
400 EPSOM ROAD, FLEMINGTON, VIC 3031
t: 03 8378 0288 | f: 03 9214 0699 | e: cwinnell@hrv.org.au
www.hrv.org.au
