INJURED trackwork riders Ben Saunders and Wade Clasohm were each presented with more than $93,000 following the ‘Racing Reaches Out’ fundraiser at Clifford Park.
Toowoomba Turf Club chief executive officer Blair Odgers and TTC chairman Kent Woodford visited Mr Saunders and Mr Clasohm at the PA hospital in Brisbane to deliver the funding.
“In the end, Racing Reaches Out raised $187,616 that has been split between Ben and Wade,” Mr Odgers said.
“The support of the racing industry and the community at large, meant Racing Reaches Out was an enormous success.
“Everyone at the TTC wishes Ben and Wade the very best with their recovery – they are both working very hard in rehab and we were thrilled to facilitate and host the Racing Reaches Out fundraiser.”
Mr Saunders and Mr Clasohm continue to work hard on their rehab after their tragic fall at Clifford Park early morning on Saturday, April 8.
Mr Saunders said he and Mr Clasohm were “so happy” to see the staff from the TTC for the official Racing Reaches Out fundraiser handover.
“It’s a staggering amount and we can’t believe the generosity from so many,” Mr Saunders said. “Once again, words will fail to express our thanks to those with the deep pockets and big hearts. But thank you, everyone.”
Both men were placed in intensive care with serious spinal injuries after the horse Mr Saunders was riding during pre-dawn training at Clifford Park fell when it broke a leg. That horse fell in front of the horse Mr Clasohm was riding.
The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission launched an inquiry into the incident.