Rockhampton trainer John Poots injured in horse-related accident
Rockhampton trainer John Poots has undergone brain surgery after being injured in a horse-related accident. Read the latest on his condition here.
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Seriously injured Rockhampton horse trainer John Poots has been transferred from the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital to an adjoining facility where he is likely to remain for an extended period.
The 64-year-old has been in the Brisbane hospital since being flown from Rockhampton Hospital within 24 hours after he was seriously injured in a horse-related accident at he and wife Louise’s Port Curtis property.
John has undergone multiple brain surgeries in Brisbane where Louise has remained at his hospital bedside.
Last Friday, John was transferred to the adjoining facility STARS - Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Services - where he is still being fed by intravenous drip.
Louise said it was an amazing unit and John had taken his first three steps “heavily assisted”.
“He has to be taught how to walk again as well as later how to eat. He is also undergoing speech therapy as he can just whisper at present,” she said.
“Those first few steps have given him some confidence with his legs and now it is a matter for the brain to take over and help with the working of the limbs.
“As well as the physio and speech therapy, John is also being given exercises to assist when he will have to swallow again.”
It remains a mystery how John suffered his injuries as there was no witness to the accident.
Louise came home after briefly leaving the property to see the horse he had been working riderless and mixing with other horses in a yard adjacent to their training track.
“I thought the worst and saw an arm raised in the distance. I raced over and it was John, and he was in a bad way,” she said.
Since then, Louise has lived the nightmare but has been overcome by the support of people, especially within the racing industry.
The Australian Trainers Association through the racing assistance organisation QRISP (Queensland Racing Industry Support Program) launched an appeal to assist the Poots family.
“John Poots’ sole income was from his involvement with the racing industry as self-employed. The couple are facing an enormous challenge and face a long road ahead,” ATA’s Queensland chief Cameron Partington said on launching the appeal last month.
As of Tuesday, September 5, $22,411 had been raised including donations from industry stakeholders, organisations and race clubs, and members of the public.
At last Thursday’s Callaghan Park race meeting, this writer sought and collected cash donations from trainers, jockeys and other industry stakeholders and racegoers.
Some $1345 was raised and greatly appreciated, something Louise endorsed when told.
“Everyone has been so giving and it is very humbling. It is really wonderful and so please pass on our thanks in your article,” she said.
Partington, along with Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michael Rodd and Brisbane trainer Les Ross, made a surprise visit to John at STARS on Monday.
Louise said their visit boosted John’s spirits.
“They really brightened up his day. It was so good of them to do that,” she said, indicating that John was able to whisper to his trio of visitors.
“It is all very promising just how well John is responding. Just thank everyone for us, Tony,” Louise concluded.
Mission accomplished, Louise.
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