Tony Vasil: ‘I have had my days where simply getting out of bed has been a chore’

LEADING trainer Tony Vasil has spoken publicly for the first time about his battle with depression.

Trainer Tony Vasil has gone public with his ongoing battle with depression.

LEADING trainer Tony Vasil has spoken publicly for the first time about his battle with depression.

Vasil, who trained international gallopers Elvstroem and Haradasun, is in Queensland receiving treatment.

The one-time jockey wrote to his owners on Tuesday, talking about the impact of the depression which has engulfed him in recent weeks.

“I need you to know that for some time I have suffered from depression — often very seriously,” he said.

“I have had my days where simply getting out of bed has been a chore.

“Like many of you I had really known nothing of depression and what it is capable of. Now I do. It is an awful debilitating illness (NOT a weakness).

“But I have also learnt that with the love and support of family, friends, business associates and staff, not to mention my wonderful owners, I will beat this big time.

“I am shocked by the number of people who have told me of their own experiences with depression – be it them, a family member, a friend or associate. This is a terrible disease that needs community understanding. Thankfully I have had that, in spades,” he said.

Vasil said a recent incident at the Caulfield training centre triggered his need for treatment and care.

“This all came to a head when I was recently involved in an altercation at the horse pool at Caulfield Racecourse. It was with Daniel Piele, an employee of fellow trainer, Peter Moody. I have privately apologised to Daniel and now do so publicly.”

Vasil said while he was taking time off from training at Caulfield, he remained in charge of all his horses and continued to prepare them.

He will start boom colt Prince Harada in Saturday’s Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.

“To dispel some myths, I am not dead (far from it), I am in constant contact with my senior staff, I (and I alone) prepare horse work lists and select races for them,” Vasil wrote.

“I issue instructions in reality about all facets of the business.

“I am away because I need some breathing space in those moments when I am not working. I am also in receipt of specialist care, provided interstate.”