Racing industry rallies behind trainer Mathew Ellerton after stroke in Bali
A GoFundMe page to assist trainer Mathew Ellerton, who must undergo more surgery in the coming days, has attracted more than $43,000 towards a $100,000 target.
The racing industry has rallied behind Flemington trainer Mathew Ellerton, who suffered a stroke in Bali last week.
A GoFundMe, started by Melissa Kennewell, wife of Cranbourne-based horseman Lloyd, has attracted more than $43,000 from 152 donations towards a $100,000 target.
Ellerton was initially struck down by a bout of Bali belly, which unfortunately progressed into a blood clot and ultimately caused a stroke.
He improved to a point of being cleared for a medical flight home but a setback, “another blood clot” in the brain has delayed the trip.
Ellerton must undergo more surgery in Bali in the interim.
“We are reaching out for your help, Mathew is stuck in a Bali hospital,” Kennewell wrote on the GoFundMe page.
“He has travel insurance which his family anticipate will come through at some stage, however they have already had to find over $50k for his stay so far.
“With this additional setback, they now need to find another large sum to pay his next course of treatment.
“We would love to allow Mathew’s family to concentrate on Mathew and his recovery and ultimate trip home.
“Please help us allow his family to focus on what is important in getting the treatment and care he needs right now without having to stress about the financials.
“Mathew has been an instrumental part of the racing industry for more than 20 years and is loved and respected due to his humble and unpretentious nature.
“Let’s all rally around Mathew and get him home as soon as we can.
Victorian trainers, jockeys, administrators and owners dug deep on Friday with generous donations.
Ellerton’s cousin Simon Zahra has overseen his former training partner’s Flemington stable since the Bali medical episode.
Brazen Lady, a last start winner, will represent the Ellerton yard on Saturday in the Leilani Series Final (1400m) at Flemington.
To donate to the GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-mathew-we-need-your-help
Originally published as Racing industry rallies behind trainer Mathew Ellerton after stroke in Bali
Maher joins Waller in $50m prizemoney club
Just weeks after Chris Waller became the first trainer to break the $50 million prizemoney barrier, Ciaron Maher has also achieved the incredible feat.
Trainers to fight breast cancer drug charges
The five Victorian trainers charged with presenting horses to race with a breast cancer drug in their systems intend to plead not guilty.
Red alert: Anticipation builds for clash of superstar mares
As one of Australia’s biggest harness rivalries continues at Albion Park on Saturday night, another is just a week away at the same track.