BEN MOUNTS UP FOR SPECIAL RIDE
Weetwood race honour reward for disabled rider
RACING: Ben Saunders has conquered numerous mountains since a catastrophic track-work fall two years ago changed his life forever.
But in 10 days the one-time leading apprentice and loyal racing industry member will reach a new height when he leads the field out for the 2019 Audi Centre Weetwood Handicap.
Saunders and his track-work colleague Wade Clashom were left paraplegic in a Clifford Park work fall on Weetwood morning in 2017.
The “freakish” accident left Saunders without the use of his lower body but has done nothing to diminish his spirit and ability to meet new challenges.
Now with the support of Toowoomba trainer Dale Groves, Grove’s wife Kristy Banks, Toowoomba Turf Club and industry members, Saunders is back in the saddle.
Saunders yesterday had a “trial run” for his Weetwood day assignment aboard retired former Ben Currie galloper Captain Leo and the pair are ready to play their part in another memorable chapter of Clifford Park’s famous race.
Groves and Banks — who also returned to riding after being left a paraplegic in a Clifford Park race fall — set Saunders on the “comeback’ trail which he has grabbed with both hands.
“If I had to go to a disabled riding school I wouldn’t have done it,” said Saunders who is also employed by Racing Queensland as a race-day jockey advocate.
“But Kristy and Dale had the pony and just offered, put me on, and once the seatbelt was
‘‘ ONCE THE SEATBELT WAS ON THEY KNEW I COULD HANDLE THE POSITION. BEN SAUNDERS
on they knew I could handle the position.
“It’s a little bit like riding a bike.
“They let me go at my own pace and it just come back like riding a bike.
“It feels enormous.
“I was advised by the doctors at the PA Hospital that horse riding would be good for me.
“On Weetwood day it will be two years to the day since Wa-
dey and my accident.
“It shows how much the racing industry here in Toowoomba has helped me back.
“There is no amount of dollars you could repay people for their kindness and inspiration.”
Groves said Saunders’ climb back into the saddle is inspirational.
“Captain Leo is a nice horse with a beautiful nature and him and Ben are getting on fine,” Groves said.
“Kristy and me have had heaps of support in helping Ben get back on a horse.
“Kent Woodford and Blair Odgers from the turf club have been really helpful in organising Ben’s Weetwood Day ride.
“Hopefully he’ll get to lead the winner back as well after the race.
“It’s great for Ben, it’s great for Toowoomba and it’s great for racing.
“It’s worth it just to see the smile this is putting on Ben’s face.”