The devastating floods ravaging parts of Australia have taken their toll on the harness racing industry, claiming the lives of at least 80 standardbreds and possibly one racing official
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James Perry, formerly the head of Harness Racing New South Wales, is now among the 43 people missing in the Toowoomba region. Perry recently worked as a Steward at Seoul Racecourse in Korea and had come home to spend more time with his family.
The Sydney Morning Herald's media helicopter filmed the family atop their SUV as they were trying to cross a river near Grantham. Queensland Premier Anna Bligh stated on Tuesday that Perry’s wife, Jenny and son Ted were rescued by helicopter and transported to hospital. When the helicopter returned for James, he and his car had vanished.
Michael Beattie, who stepped into Perry's role as Chairman of Stewards when he went to Korea two years ago, told the Herald that "James is a very good friend and we are just hoping for the best. It doesn’t sound good but we have all heard of miracle stories already. I’ve known him for 20 years and he is a fantastic family man and it would just be like him to stay behind so his wife and child were safe."
Horses have not escaped the wrath of the flood, either. Noted standardbred owner Clive Palmer has lost 80 standardbreds, including 15 yearlings and 17 racehorses stabled at Cold Mountain Stud in South East Queensland. Palmer came to the rescue of his staff, flying in his own helicopters.
"We flew in the company chopper and saved them but one staff member, 22-year-old Murray Sullivan, who drives a lot of our horses to and from venues, was absolutely devastated," Palmer told HarnessLink. "Thank goodness we have lost no one."
Reports indicate that at least 22 towns and more than 200,000 people have been affected by the floods, with initial damage estimates at $1 billion. At press time, 90 people were still missing with 10 confirmed deceased.
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God bless the horses and
God bless the horses and their caretakers.