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Taree trainers Glen Milligan and Tony Ball devastated following floods

Local trainers Tony Ball and Glen Milligan have been left devastated by the Taree floods that have left their homes under water.

Tony Ball (inset) is devastated following the Taree flooding.
Tony Ball (inset) is devastated following the Taree flooding.

Taree trainer Tony Ball has revealed he’s lost just about everything following the devastating floods in the area.

Ball revealed how his house is almost completely submerged in water and that he won’t be able to reach it for at least a week.

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“It’s the worst I have seen in a long, long time. It is just devastating,” Ball said.

“It’s gone through our house and we’ve lost everything.

“It’s nearly up to the roof they tell me because we had to leave yesterday.

“We stayed in a motel last night.

“We saved my truck, horse float, my ute, my wife’s car, my dog and a bag of clothes each and we won’t be able to get home for probably a week.”

The Taree track on Wednesday morning.
The Taree track on Wednesday morning.

Ball, who has trained in his own right for around six years, admits it’s devastating but his biggest worry now is getting feed for his horses.

On top of his own stable, Ball is looking after a few for fellow trainer Glen Milligan but said they could be in trouble with the produce shop also going under.

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“We got them out the day before but our biggest downfall now is our produce shop has about four feet of water in it,” Ball told Sky Sports Radio.

“I’ve got enough feed to feed mine and Glen’s for tonight and tomorrow but we’ve got to get feed for them.”

An emotional Glen Milligan said it’s the worst he’s ever seen it, despite living in the area for 30 years.

Milligan, who lives at the track, said all his horses are safe but the bottom story of his house is underwater.

“My house is double storey and we’ve got about two feet of water in it,” Milligan said on Sky Sports Radio.

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“There’s just no end to it … the track is an ocean.

“There’s a metre of water in the courtyard I reckon and we’ve been here 30 years and there never has been any.

“The horses are all safe here but my house will probably just go under further.

“So many people have offered to help but it’s a bit hard when you can’t get in and out and you can’t get out of Taree either.

“From the 400 to the 200m is about the only bit of grass you can see at the racecourse.”


Originally published as Taree trainers Glen Milligan and Tony Ball devastated following floods

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/horse-racing/nsw-racing/taree-trainers-glen-milligan-and-tony-ball-devastated-following-floods/news-story/48ab08f637a55ff6043542b8445889a9