An insight into a near tragedy at the Brian Ellison yard yesterday, might still be unfortunately
We were delighted yesterday with Ben Cee Pee M winning at Sedgefield with a good ride by Craig Gallagher.
Our happiness only lasted a few hours as we discovered Bocciani with serious colic. Thanks to the quick work of 3 of our team, Jessica Bell, Jason Foster and Andrew Robertson, we managed to get him to Rainbow Equine Hospital where he had emergency surgery. We were all privileged to be allowed to witness the procedure, which was absolutely fascinating, yet somewhat distressing! We watched as the veterinary surgeon untangled masses and masses of intestines before extracting the gas that had formed and then somehow replaced them back into the correct place. There is over 100ft in a horse! Thankfully, the operation appears to have been a success, although the next few days are still critical as Bocciani's system tries to work again.
We (Brian and Claire .. the wife) want to say a big thank you to Jessica, Jason and Andy as if they had not found him and reacted so quickly, Bocciani would not be with us now. Also ... to the amazing Vets and team at Rainbow Equine Hospital who were awe inspiring. The work that they, and Station House Veterinary Practise, do for us is invaluable to us, and very much appreciated.
There is a lot of hard work and dedication which goes on behind the scenes in Racing, which is often overlooked! Take for example ... Jessica, Jason and Andy, they were with us at the vets until 2am and still at work by 6am! They are all racing today so it will be well over a 12hr shift for them (and us). And again tomorrow and no day off Sunday either. Horseracing is not a job .. it is a way of life and a passion! We have a great team behind us and we couldn't do the job without them. We enjoy the highs together and support each other through the lows ... we all love and care for our horses and we all strive for winners ... that's what it's all about!