Sunshine Coast racing trainer Gary Duncan says he can’t thank the men that saved his life enough

Prominent racing trainer Gary ‘Jack’ Duncan is all praise for the men who saved his life after a heart attack at the Doomben racecourse

Racing trainer Gary Duncan is out of hospital and hoping to return to the track in the coming weeks after suffering a heart attack at the Doomben racecourse. Picture: Ben Dorries

Sunshine Coast horse racing trainer Gary ‘Jack’ Duncan is making a healthy recovery after suffering a heart attack at the Doomben racecourse on July 24.

Duncan, who has been a prominent racing trainer in Queensland for the past 20 years, collapsed in the tie-up stalls after race one.

Onlookers Brendan Styles and Michael Reed, who are shared owners in one of Duncan's horses ‘Adonisea’, were able to perform CPR on Duncan until medical officials and ambulance personnel arrived.

After leaving the course conscious Duncan was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital where he underwent heart surgery and was required to remain in hospital for a further four days.

Duncan said he wouldn't still be here without Mr Styles and Mr Reed.

“I honestly can't thank them enough for what they did,” he said.

“For them to react so quickly and to know what to do was amazing.”

Jockey Dale Smith speaks to trainer Gary Duncan after riding Tversky to victory in race 7 at Doomben Racecourse in Brisbane, Saturday, August 4, 2018. (AAP Image/Albert Perez)

Duncan said both Mr Reed and Mr Styles had completed a CPR refresher course only a few weeks prior to the incident.

“I am sure I would be gone without them and their knowledge,” Duncan said.

“I’ve broken a fair few ribs because of how hard they were pressing but to put it in perspective they saved my life because of it so this current pain is definitely worth it.”

Duncan said he is eager to get back to the track as soon as possible and is thankful for the positive messages.

“I know I need to take it easy for the next few weeks but I’m excited to get down to the track whenever I can,” he said.

“Hopefully I can be back to full health soon enough and be full steam ahead.

“A massive thanks to everyone who has reached out by sending messages, letters, videos and all the rest of it because the support really has meant a lot to me and my wife.”

Originally published as Sunshine Coast racing trainer Gary Duncan says he can’t thank the men that saved his life enough