12 May 2016
SEVEN months is a long time for anyone but for Brooklyn Lodge boss Doug Moore it has seemed like an eternity. Doug suffered serious injuries in October last year when he fell six metres while working at his property. Some of Doug’s injuries included damaged vertebrae which left him a paraplegic, broken ribs and a broken jaw. The rehabilitation process has been slow and gradual and while it is continuing, he was allowed to return home on Monday.
Doug’s wife Janet was pleased to return home and the couple are enjoying being back in familiar surroundings.
“I spent all but two days in Sydney with Doug since the accident and it was great for us both to return home on Monday, it is something that Doug has been working towards for quite some time,” Janet said.
“Today (Wednesday) is a special day, we’ve hired a car with wheelchair access and we are going to take Doug to the top of the hill so he can look down on the property. We will also give him a chance to see the horses, he has been missing home and he’s had a lot of time to sit and think.”
Doug’s rehabilitation program has seen him increase his strength in his arm and his shoulders.
“He has muscled up in his shoulders and arms through all of the work they did with him. Things could have been worse, we saw people in rehab that had no use of their arms and they were so much worse off than Doug.
“Two things that kept Doug alive in the early stages were the horses and the Trotguide. There was no pay television in the hospital and the reception to watch the races on the internet was very slow, but we got the opportunity to watch the races and it kept him in contact with what was going on.
“John Dumesny would bring Doug a copy of the Trotguide every week and he would keep up to date with what was happening in the industry.”
The couple were amazed at the support Doug received while he was in hospital. More than 50 people from the harness racing industry visited during his seven month stay.
“It is hard to single people out because you always forget some that have been so helpful. Clients that come to mind are Peter Plummer and Peter and Maureen Green. They continued to visit and keep Doug’s spirits up and even during their own tough times they were still there for Doug.
“Michelle Manning was great, every time she was on the way to the races she would ring Doug and give him a full run down of what she was going to do. It is people like that who are so special.”
Doug will need the assistance of carers now that he has returned home and Janet has confirmed two employees will be playing a major role into the future.
“Jo Heanes has already completed the course to be Doug’s carer in the winter months. She was one of our night watchers during summer and she will still do that helping the mares foal. It is great because Joanne has worked for us for a long time and she is someone that we know well and really trust.
“Mal Moody is doing the course at the moment and that will allow him to care for him when they go to the races.”
Ken Tippet has also helped with Doug’s rehabilitation as he has been preparing a two year old trotter named Prosthesis. The son of Rocknroll Hanover broke through for his maiden victory on April 30.
“We couldn’t wipe the smile off Doug’s face for the best part of three days and I think all the nurses and people working with him all had their $2 each way on him.
“The sport definitely has some more followers as a result of Doug being in rehabilitation.”
It is hoped Doug will get back to the races soon.
“He’s keen to go out to Bathurst tonight (Wednesday) but it will depend on the weather. If he doesn’t go I’m sure he will be at the trials next Monday.”
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 31 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
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To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
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Name:
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Greg Hayes
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Position:
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Media Manager
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Phone:
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(02) 9722 6600
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Email:
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ghayes@hrnsw.com.au
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