Brian Toomey is in Harry Redknapp’s stable.
Brian Toomey returned to galloping after his accident. Photo from 2015. PDO
Irish galloper Brian Toomey had a serious riding accident in Perth in 2013 when he fell off his horse.
Toomey was already dead for a while, as his heart stopped for seven seconds, but paramedics revived him with first aid.
He was put into an induced coma and a large chunk of his skull was removed to lower the high pressure in his brain.
Toomey was given a three percent chance of survival. He spent almost half a year in the hospital – a total of 157 nights.
Ten years later, Toomey is still participating in the Games. On Wednesday, he won his first competition – as a horse trainer.
According to The Sun he acts as a former football coach Harry Redknapp’s in the stable.
– My dream came true. Words are not enough to describe this feeling. It’s unbelievable how far I’ve come in a very short time to this point, Toomey rejoiced after the victory.
Redknapp has been a very important support person for Toomey. Toomey was moved when he spoke after the race he won about Redknapp’s importance.
– He has been incredible to me. Her support and kindness are second to none.
Your race even after the accident
After a two-year recovery period, Toomey returned to competition and briefly competed as a galloper, but has since left competition behind.
He tells on his website that he always wanted to be a horse trainer and started training for this role after finishing his galloping career.
– I will always be known as an injured former gallop rider, but I want to be known for my hard work and competitive spirit and not for my broken brain.
– I have a titanium plate on my head. It doesn’t stop me from doing anything – except being a professional athlete. But I am very lucky. I shouldn’t be alive,’ he said, according to The Sun.