Darcy Ward 23/8/15

[admin]

source: Zielonogórski sport, so it could be lost in translation to some extent but there was an accident with the type of injury mentioned here which doesn't sound good:

Very bad news about the health of speedway rider Darcy Ward released from Zielona hospital. In an Australian competitor SPAR Falubaz Zielona Gora, was diagnosed with cervical dislocation. To complete the game Falubaz with GKM-I Grudziadz was barely one lap when the track fell Darcy Ward, one of the best recent players Zielona team. Australian clipped the motorcycle operator visitors Artema Łaguty leader.

Falubaz rider was immediately transferred to Zielona hospital, where he underwent a comprehensive study. These confirmed the first diagnosis. CT scan examination revealed cervical dislocation in the section, which is responsible for the lower body.

I think that awaiting more accurate information is the best policy:

Hans Andersen ‏@hansi_Andersen 23/8/15

Hearing various things about @d_Dublu_racing ? hope none is true ?? StayStrongKiddo

[admin]

You can read what happened so you know the content of this. It's your choice to look so be warned:

Darcy Ward crash 23.08.2015

[admin]

Still waiting for confirmed British press but it doesn't sound good:

Darcy Ward has a broken spinal cord at the cervical

The spinal cord Darcy Ward is probably completely broken cervical - is the most important message after the surgery dwuipółgodzinnym Australian speedway rider, who yesterday had an accident in a league match in Zielona Gora. Doctors at the moment but do not want to speculate on the future double world champion juniors.

Ward suffered an injury in Sunday's match between falubaz Ekstraligi Zielona Gora and GKM Grudziadz. In the last race the Australian clipped the rear wheel motor Artjom Łaguty and with a vengeance fell on the track, then hit next puffed gang.

The first diagnosis reported the interrupted spinal cord competitor, which would result in a loss of feeling in his legs. Morning Ward underwent a two-hour operation, during which his spine was stabilized. 23-year-old rider is conscious, answer questions and perform simple tasks. In the morning the hospital came his closest friend from the track - Chris Holder - who due to an accident Ward canceled his performance in the English league.

At the moment it does not seem that a player could ever return to the speedway competition. It is not known whether it will ever be able to walk. You always have hope, the more that medicine made ​​incredible progress. Especially when it comes to biomedical materials. The case is currently in progress and it is difficult to predict in which direction it all goes - said at a press conference Falubaz doctor Zielona Gora Robert Zapotoczny.

Australian himself banned for the time being given specific information about their health condition.

source: rmf24.pl/sport/news-darcy-ward

[admin]

Hans Andersen @hansi_Andersen 24/8/15

Hard to understand the big love for our sport when you at the same time hate it this badly #StayStrongDarcy

[admin]

Australian team manager Mark Lemon says stricken star Darcy Ward may be transferred back to a UK hospital as early as Wednesday (August 26) - speedwaygp.com/news/ward-set-for-uk-transfer

The 23-year-old suffered spinal injuries in an horrific crash at Zielona Gora on Sunday and his British club Poole confirmed he has no lower body feeling at this time.

Ward’s condition is stable and he is breathing independently, with a more detailed update on his condition expected on Wednesday.

His father George joined Poole team manager Neil Middleditch, 2012 world champion Chris Holder and Davey Watt at the rider's bedside today.

Lemon confirmed Ward was due to undergo a wrist operation today, but admitted he could be in a position to be flown to Britain on Wednesday if all goes well.

He said: “We’re liaising with the insurance companies in Australia to get him back to the UK as soon as possible. He was due to have surgery on his wrist and we can then hopefully get him back to Britain. He’s stable enough to be moved.

“We just want to get Darcy moved closer to home. It helps when you’re in an English-speaking country.

“As good as the Polish hospitals are, we want to get him back to the UK and give him some more familiar surroundings. It makes it a bit easier if he has his support network close by.”

Lemon has joined forces with Monster Energy's Joe Parsons to liaise with world-renowned spinal injury foundation Wings for Life, who are based in Salzburg, in a bid to seek the best care possible for the Queensland icon.

“We have been working with the Wings for Life people since Monday morning,” Lemon said. “They have been very helpful and have a lot of knowledge of the most highly-regarded medicine.

“We’ve tried to get some help for Darcy, so we’re liaising with them. Wings for Life deal with elite sportsmen and some groundbreaking research has gone into spinal injuries.

“That was our first port of call and they have been very good. Everyone is working together for the best possible outcome.”

Lemon admits Ward’s plight brings home the dark reality of the dangers speedway riders face on a nightly basis. And he’s gutted to see what has been a sensational run of form for the Swindon, Piraterna and Zielona Gora rider halted in such tragic circumstances.

He said: “You know speedway is dangerous and we all live in a bit of denial sometimes. The harsh reality can bite you in the backside. You just don’t think it’s ever going to happen and you wish it never had happened, but these things do happen unfortunately. It’s sad; really sad.

“Sometimes you have to put into perspective the value of life. Darcy has that and he hasn’t hurt his head. He is aware of everything that is going on.

“He has had some tough times in his career and it looked like he had come back stronger than ever, focused and professional. This is a big blow for him and the sport of speedway. The kid is box office and puts bums on seats. It’s a tough time at the moment, but everyone has to remain strong and what will be, we'll have to wait and see.”

---

"The kid is box office and puts bums on seats" - couldn't agree more. There only 2 riders in recent years who'd make me cross the road, and they are Ward and Sayfutdinov. Ward I'd say is more spectacular anywhere (mainly because he rides here and we know what he can do) whereas Sayfutdinov at the EoES was special. It doesn't look like there is going to be any good news here and Darcy will have bigger battles to worry about than a speedway career. Very very sad but shit happens I'm afraid, and not just to other people. Hopefully there is a medical miracle, whether that be recovery or fast moving medical science.

[Deleted]

It's not sounding like a good outcome for him.

[admin]

Found this on eurosport.onet.pl/zuzel/ekstraliga/krzysztof-cegielski-darcy-ward (can be a bit heavy due to the translation: Polish to English so don't take anything as concrete evidence)

Krzysztof Cegielski: Darcy Ward worst is already behind:

The accident shook Darcy Ward fans in Poland. Australian rider in the game SPAR Falubaz Zielona Gora - GKM Grudziadz fell to the track, he fell in a band, and as a result broke his back. Negotiations doctors are not good. At stake is not only the young athlete's career, but also his basic fitness. The fact that we should not lose hope, convincing story Krzysztof Cegielski. Polish speedway in 2003 suffered a similar injury to the spine during an accident on the track in Sweden. Although doctors said that it will always remain confined to a wheelchair, Cegielski did not give up. For many years he worked hard to rehabilitation, so that today can walk and live independently. - Darcy worst is already behind us. The accident had happened, the doctors did his. Now, each day will be amongst progress. Although often invisible, yet very uplifting - says the former rider in an interview with Eurosport.Onet.pl.

Darcy Ward found himself in a very difficult situation, but your example can be reassuring for him.

Each case is different and can not be compared directly. But something similar happened to me when I was 24 years old. Darcy is of a similar age, has the power, smooth head. Now in the head he has to sort out and saying brutally - to take up a job. In front of him a long way. It should now draw energy from the support of the fans, because this interest will decrease, although he never drops to zero. It is natural, because life goes forward. At one point a man is alone in the room rehabilitation and must train, work. No matter what the motivation in myself find it, we must do so, because only it gives you hope for recovery.

What is crucial in the rehabilitation of these injuries of the spine?

The most important is the psyche, finding in his faith and mobilization to work. The key is the first half of the year, when opportunities to improve health are the greatest, but then the hardest to get to work. The body is weakened, every hand movement causes pain, not to mention the legs. But you have to go through it.

Mr. Ward knows better than the average fan. The Australian is a person who has so much power?

I know him mostly from the track, with the sport. We know that back very strong after a year's grace period. You can see that while in prison was not lying idle, do not complain, just work hard. Of course, the current situation is not comparable and do not know how to behave Darcy. Though frankly, there is no other choice but to fight for recovery. The worst is already behind. The accident had happened, the doctors did his. Now, each day will be amongst progress. Although often invisible, yet very uplifting.

The first messages on the health status Ward were very disturbing. We heard that you need a medical miracle. Lord also doctors said that you will never walked. They were wrong.

The doctor said "forget it man, why so torture and so none of this will be". But the improvement was followed and still follows. No miracle happened, about what I dreamed I will not go into the slag, nor do I run 100 meters at the Olympics. But the condition improved enough that I am independent and I'm comfortable with it. I was determined from the beginning. I remember the situation in a hospital in Sweden, where I had an accident. Doctors there are very cautious and gentle. I waited until we start sharp practice, and they asked if they could touch my leg. Terribly I pissed off because I did not want to hear it. People, take for those legs, do something with them! And you do not ask if you can touch them.

What will be the role of Darcy Ward environment with long-term rehabilitation?

It is important that relatives passed on positive energy, and not just despair. They should support the patient, but does not replace it in everything. Relatives want to relieve the sick, and then it turns out that such persons are dependent on others. Meanwhile, the first goal should be to become independent from the environment. This is difficult, because the usual steps are painful, can cause the cry of despair. Starting from simple things like washing his face or teeth. When you first do it yourself, it causes joy, as if he won at Aileron. The ultimate goal is to return to health. Darcy is not allowed to receive hope, you can not exclude anything. There are many people in the world whose example shows that the cases may well live, and some even return to full health.

Ward returned after an accident on the safety on the tracks. Fans are wondering why there is no simple inflatable band, such as on curves. This may have prevented serious injury Aussie? - assume that blown bands are airbags.

Blown bands were introduced when I was raced. Then they were also on the straights and it caused even more accidents. Speedway riders always go near the gangs and the inflatable could "draw" because zaczepiało about it to the wheel or hook. Therefore we abandoned the band on the straight and they certainly should not come back. You can think of something else. Move the gang inflatable safety belt under the stands. Must determine the trajectory line, the competitors will not be able to cross. I do not know whether it is feasible or not will pose a threat for the fans. But I cast about, you may want to think about it.

Another theory is that the slag has become too dangerous for a very trimmed engines.

It's true. Slag has become like Formula 1. Once the tracks were uneven, engines weaker, and hence, the speed was less. Today, it is like a computer game. Tracks are equal, motors operate at very high speeds, and the players go on one line and rarely make a mistake. But when something starts to happen, it's easy to lose control of the motorcycle. I do not know if you can do something about it, because every player is looking for speed. There are ideas to introduce restrictions engines and you may want to think about it, although I do not know whether the environment would accept it.

What is the situation speedway rider after the accident. He has insurance, or is left alone with rehabilitation?

I help many players in the conclusion of insurance. I do not know what it looked like in the case of Ward, because it just does not cooperated. I was able to push through the Main Commission for the speedway that from next year of insurance will be mandatory. In my time in Poland it was hard to insure speedway rider, so I had a contract in Sweden or England. Today, the Polish market is a lot of good offers. The first is the protection against long-term incapacity for sport. You can thus get a sum that not only enough for rehabilitation, but also give a good start to a new life. Second, you can insure your income, but this offer is more luxurious and not everyone has to have it. But insurance against inability to sports should be, and will be mandatory.

The young speedway riders probably reluctant to look at high premiums?

They just are not high. It cost one engine, and the best praise that they have dozens of them. Speedway riders accordance with the rules earn about 4.5 thousand for each point scored. Dispense with one engine is not really a big sacrifice, and can secure future.

[admin]

I found this to be the saddest picture of the weekend. I'm sure that most will be aware that my glass is always half empty but that does help in such circumstances when the gravity of Darcy's situation is clear to see. It's going to be a long road both phsically and mentally, and life will never be the same as it was when he approaced turn 3 at Zielona Gora



The full extent of Ward's injuries have still to be confirmed (at least I haven't seen anything?) and we can only hope for good news and better pictures.

[admin]

Aug 31, 2015 20:00:13 GMT admin said:

I found this to be the saddest picture of the weekend. I'm sure that most will be aware that my glass is always half empty but that does help in such circumstances when the gravity of Darcy's situation is clear to see. It's going to be a long road both phsically and mentally, and life will never be the same as it was when he approaced turn 3 at Zielona Gora



The full extent of Ward's injuries have still to be confirmed (at least I haven't seen anything?) and we can only hope for good news and better pictures.

Doesn't sound like that will be forthcomimg

Poole owner Matt Ford says stricken Pirates hero Darcy Ward has regained some movement in his arms after revealing plans to stage a benefit meeting at Wimborne Road this year.

Ward remains in an undisclosed UK hospital as he continues his recovery from the serious spinal injuries he suffered in Zielona Gora on August 23.

Pirates staged their first fixture since the Queenslander’s crash last night, hammering King’s Lynn 62-30. It was emotional night for everyone at the club, where Ward has become an icon since his arrival in 2010.

Ford visited the rider along with Poole team manager Neil Middleditch and admits “it’s going to be a long, hard road” for Ward, who is receiving the best possible treatment.

He said: “I know everyone feels the same way we do. It has been a testing and emotional time.

“We went to see Darcy a couple of days ago. I wish I could tell you better news. At this moment in time, he’s a very poorly boy. There have been little things changing. He has movement in his arms now.

“It’s going to be a long, hard road, but I know he wants to thank everyone here. What happened has hit every one of us in the same way. People want to do all they can to try and help him.”

Writing in the Pirates programme, Ford confirmed he is working on plans to stage a benefit meeting at Poole before the end of the season to raise money to assist with Ward’s treatment.

With his care coming at a high price and his insurance cover only stretching so far, Ford admits the 23-year-old will need all the financial support he can get to ensure he continues to get the best possible care.

He said: “Clearly Darcy has a lot of expense at this moment in time. I wouldn’t want to go into details because I think it’s for his family to keep people informed.

“But bringing Darcy across from Poland and his first three weeks in hospital, I can tell you cost £50,000.

“It’s not a cheap thing, but he is in a wonderful hospital and it is second to none. He’s getting tremendous treatment and started his physio on Tuesday.”

To make a donation towards Darcy’s treatment fund, please visit pledgie.com/campaigns/30061.

sgp 3/9/15

[admin]

Speedway: Darcy Ward in emotional address to Wimborne Road at benefit meeting 7/10/15

[admin]

Australian team manager Mark Lemon hopes stricken star Darcy Ward will be able to continue his injury rehabilitation in the UK, with his visa due to expire in January.

The Queenslander has been recuperating from serious spinal injuries at a British hospital following a horror spill at Zielona Gora on August 23.

Ward is undergoing intense physiotherapy to maximise his mobility and ensure he makes the best possible recovery. The private treatment comes at a high price, but this isn’t the only obstacle facing Ward and his team as they work to ensure he’s able to remain in the country beyond January.

Belle Vue team manager Lemon said: “Our main concern is that his work permit expires in January and, although the Brits won’t deport Darcy on health grounds, we have to get working to try and get him some sort of residency on compassionate grounds.

“For the immediate future, we want to keep him in Britain. Darcy has a really good hospital, where he’s getting excellent treatment. That has shown in the leaps and improvements he has made with what the staff are doing with him.

“It’s incredible, so we don’t want to move him from there. We want to keep him there, but obviously the big burden of finance is a concern.

“We can’t get him into the National Health Service for a number of complicated reasons. So we have the large weekly expenses still mounting up.

“It’s crazy the costs involved. You wish these things never happen, but unfortunately they do. I’m just so grateful to everyone who has chipped in – whether it’s 10p or £10. It’s just incredible the support he has had, and he does need it. It’s a sad fact.

“We don’t want to look too far down the track. In the end, he may have to go back to Australia. But what we’re trying to do now is accommodate Darcy as best we possibly can.

“My personal opinion is that he’s better off staying in the UK at the moment until his rehabilitation is at a certain stage where Darcy can make a decision on what he wants to do.”

While Ward’s friends and advisors work to extend his stay in the UK, the man himself is battling furiously to overcome his injuries. His fight has won him no shortage of admirers throughout the speedway world and beyond, and Lemon continues to be inspired by his efforts.

He said: “I’m very impressed with Darcy. He’s just an amazing individual. You speak to him and you can’t help but feel inspired when you’re in his presence.

“Given the setbacks he has had and how he has dealt with them, you have to take your hat off to the guy. The inner strength he has is just unbelievable.

“His progress is noticeable and it’s a credit to Darcy and how hard he is working. He’s pushing the boundaries. He’s an inspirational individual.”

To make a donation towards Ward’s treatment fund, visit: pledgie.com/campaigns/30061.

speedwaygp.com/news/lemon-hopes-for-ward-uk 7/11/15

[admin]

Former world champion Chris Holder headlines a star-studded field for Darcy Ward’s Aussie Benefit meeting at Gillman on Saturday 7/11/15.

With Ward still recovering from serious spinal injuries in a UK hospital, his best friend Holder joins forces with the great and good of Aussie speedway, with all the proceeds from the Adelaide event donated towards the Queenslander’s considerable medical costs.

Holder is joined by former SGP star Troy Batchelor, plus their fellow Aussie internationals Nick Morris, Max Fricke and Brady Kurtz. Justin Sedgmen, Kevin Doolan, Ty Proctor, Brodie Waters, Jack Fallon, Josh Coyne and Arlo Bugeja also race for their compatriot.

There will be an international flavour to the meeting with British star Richie Worrall, Danish hotshots Anders Thomsen and Emil Grondal and German prospect Kai Huckenbeck in action.

Fans will also witness world-class sidecar action with eight of the sport’s top teams supporting the solo racing.

Gillman boss Dave Parker hopes the latest major benefit meeting in aid of Ward will keep his fund topped up as he undergoes intense physiotherapy to help him make the best possible recovery following his crash at Zielona Gora.

He said: “We’ve had wonderful support from the riders and also from sponsors, but now it is up to the supporters to show their support for Darcy.

“Darcy is receiving the very best care and treatment in England, but that comes at a considerable price and I really hope that we can boost the fund by a significant amount. We have kept the admission prices at an affordable level and all the gate money will go to the Darcy Ward Rehabilitation Fund.

“This is the fourth benefit meeting held around the world with the first in Sweden, followed by Poole in England and recently Nepean in New South Wales. I think the meeting in England attracted over 2,000 spectators so we’d love to beat that number if we could.”

Wherever you are in the world, if you’d like to make a donation to Ward’s treatment fund, please visit: pledgie.com/campaigns/30061.

speedwaygp.com/news/stars-race-for-ward-at

[admin]

Nov 7, 2015 14:49:18 GMT admin said:

Former world champion Chris Holder headlines a star-studded field for Darcy Ward’s Aussie Benefit meeting at Gillman on Saturday 7/11/15.

Solo Final won by Chris Holder from Troy Batchelor and Kai Huckenback.

Sidecar Final won by Justin Plaisted/Sam Harrison from Mick Headland/Jesse Headland and Trent Headland/Daz Whetstone.

Crowd around 2,000; gate money of over $40,000 to go to the Darcy Ward Rehabilitation Fund. (approx. £19,000)

Gilman speedway

£19,000 sounds a lot but the cost private healthcare is the best advert for the NHS!

[admin]

Aug 31, 2015 20:00:13 GMT admin said:

I found this to be the saddest picture of the weekend. I'm sure that most will be aware that my glass is always half empty but that does help in such circumstances when the gravity of Darcy's situation is clear to see. It's going to be a long road both phsically and mentally, and life will never be the same as it was when he approaced turn 3 at Zielona Gora

Darcy Ward relives night of horror crash as speedway star facing battle to walk again

- Darcy Ward fell awkwardly and collided with another rider in Poland
- The 23-year-old damaged his spinal cord and fractured his left arm
- Ward has been left paralysed from the chest down after the crash
- The Australian has been overwhelmed by the messages of support

By Simon Jones for the Daily Mail - Published: 22:59, 26 November 2015 | Updated: 01:38, 27 November 2015

[admin]

DARCY’S LEGACY – BRISBANE WIZZ SETTLES TWO AGE OLD ARGUMENTS (By Rod Colquhoun - December 2015)

The tragic injury suffered by Brisbane’s Darcy Ward just over four months ago left the speedway world in shock and without wanting to overstate it I think the sport was reeling on all levels.

Speedway is dangerous and that goes way beyond stating the obvious – ultra light, mega powerful, alcohol fuelled missiles being ridden at high speed within a confined area is a recipe for at least the odd disaster and don’t forget the no brakes situation!

I think the shock that an injury of this magnitude could happen to someone as seemingly carefree and talented as Darcy really shook us up, particularly with him being a Queenslander as they are even more carefree than the rest of the population.

We’ve been through the shock, we’ve shed a tear, we’ve raised money, we’ve offered support and I have personally felt a degree of back handed gratitude that the crash wasn’t fatal – and it very well could have been.

It’s hard to believe that Darcy never won the championship you are about to witness (Australian Championship I assume), but how could he know how few chances he would get to win it?

Now that Darcy is back on home soil along with his wonderful companion Lizzie, perhaps it is not too early to reflect on what Darcy’s short, but very spectacular career means to me.

I am one of those silly old people who spends many hours telling people how great speedway is knowing full well they are not listening, but still I persist!

We are all fans of the sport I don’t need to mention the two World Under 21 Championships and all the other amazing achievements this tearaway has shoved into a very short period of time.

However, I think I should mention what I have taken out of this whole tragedy.

The first is finally drawing a conclusion to the age old argument pertaining to who is the best rider never to win the world title and like it or not Darcy is now that person. There are some tremendous riders who didn’t win the title despite achieveing great things including Billy Sanders, Dave Jessup, Dennis Sigalos, Shawn Moran, Leigh Adams, Todd Wiltshire, Tommy Knudsen and I could go on forever, but the answer wouldn’t change, Darcy is that man and I sincerely hope he takes that as a huge compliment. (not sure how he works that out?)

The second thing that Darcy has concluded for me is the urban myth that whoever makes the start in speedway always wins – not so in Darcy’s case!

Respectfully I would suggest that Darcy was an ordinary gater but it had very little effect on his ability to get to the finish first.

I have seen some wonderful riders who could charge through the pack in a manner that would leave spectators breathless – Hamill, Crump, Gollob and Loram are four that spring immediately to mind – but again they just weren’t as good at it as Darcy! (Can't say that I agree with that either)

He is the king of the charge through the pack and as fate would have it we will have to reference DVDs to enjoy it in the future, but that in no way lessens the impact this man has made and will make on speedway.

He may not be a perfect person and given that they don’t exist that is nothing to be ashamed of – he was a wonderful talent, perhaps the most naturally gifted ever, but that doesn’t need to be ratified by anyone.

Darcy’s life has changed forever, but like many in his situation who find an even more fulfilling existence post accident, we hope the same for this loveable larrikan.

heffernanmotorsports.com

[admin]

Aussie icon Chris Holder admits he nearly called time on his speedway career after witnessing best friend Darcy Ward’s injury ordeal, as he prepares to fight back in 2016.

The Sydneysider was one of the first people to dash to Ward’s bedside in Zielona Gora after he suffered career-ending spinal injuries in a Polish Ekstraliga crash on August 23.

While many people throughout the sport and beyond have been touched by the Queenslander’s plight, few experienced the raw emotion as intensely as Holder, who supported Ward from day one.

There’s no doubt his Turbo Twin’s troubles weighed heavily on his mind throughout the end of last season, and the 2012 world champion admitted witnessing Ward’s pain in the Zielona Gora hospital nearly convinced him to quit the sport he loves.

“I was pretty close to calling it a day there and then,” Holder admitted. “We didn’t start racing speedway to wind up in this position.

“I know it happens – it’s not the first time and it won’t be the last. But when you see your best mate laying there helpless and in a lot of pain and suffering ... it was hard.”

Despite a couple of seasons plagued by injuries and the trauma of Ward’s injury battle, Holder is determined to fight his way back into the FIM Speedway Grand Prix title race in 2016. And Coach Darcy is ready to help him.

He said: “It’s funny. It was always me telling him what to do; now he’s telling me what to do. It’s all changing around. But I’m looking forward to it. I can’t wait for it to kick off again and he’ll be involved for sure.

“I’ve read stuff with him saying he wants to help me get back where I was before all my problems. That makes me feel good. That gives me some motivation to really kick on and obviously do it for myself, but also do it for my best mate and drag him along with me.”

Ward was evacuated to a UK hospital and is now continuing his recovery at the Making Strides rehab centre in Burleigh Heads on Australia's Gold Coast. Holder has been lifted by watching his progress as they keep in regular contact.

He said: “We speak once or twice every couple of weeks, so we keep in touch a fair bit. He seems a lot happier now. When he first went back, it was tough for him to get back into the groove and find a rehab place. But he really has a good spot now.

“When I’ve spoken to him since he has been there, he has been really happy with the bits and pieces they’ve done for him. I think he has a bit of a routine going now, so he’s going well.

“It’s pretty inspirational really. He has probably been served some of the worst cards he could be dealt. But he has taken it like he took to his racing; full noise, flat out and getting stuck in.

“There are a lot of young guys at this new rehab centre, who are there with motorcycle injuries and they’re the same sort of age. He has a bit of competition, you could say, to test himself against. It’s probably the best thing for him; to be in an environment with a lot of young guys who have been dealt the same situation. It’s awesome to see his progress and how he’s coping with it all. It’s really special to see.”

sgp 21/1/16

[admin]

PIRATES team boss Neil Middleditch says Darcy Ward "seems so much happier” as the Aussie star continues his rehabilitation Down Under.

Wimborne Road favourite Ward suffered serious spinal damage in a crash in Poland last August and has been confined to a wheelchair since.

Ward has undergone rehabilitation at the Making Strides Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Centre in his home state of Queensland.

Previously he had been treated in Britain.

Middleditch delivered the update on Ward at a fundraising event for the 23-year-old at Poole Stadium tonight.

He said: “Darcy is working really hard and has got a smile on his face.

"He seems so much happier where he is now and it’s great to see.”

Pirates star Chris Holder, a close friend of the two-time world under-21 champion, echoed Middleditch’s sentiments.

Holder said: “Darcy has come a long way – he has made big improvements. He is still his normal self and is still joking around.

“I take my hat off to his girlfriend Lizzie because she’s doing an awesome job. She’s taken to it like a duck to water so full credit to her.”

Poole skipper Davey Watt, who like Middleditch and Holder rushed to Ward’s side following last summer’s crash, added: “Darcy is dealing with this far better than we could have imagined he could.”

bournemouthecho/sport/speedway/piratesnews/Speedway__Darcy_Ward__seems_so_much_happier__says_Neil_Middleditch 11/2/16

[admin]

Darcy Ward - One Year On

[admin]

Just checking on yesterday's (7/5/19) racing results and came across this:

19:20 Exeter - Heavitree Brewery PLC Handicap Chase - winner Darcy Ward 6/5 Fav

Wonder who the owner is to choose that name?



Presentation, air horns, atmosphere and non-invisible interview - ah yes, I remember those days

[Deleted]

May 8, 2019 7:33:12 GMT admin said:

Just checking on yesterday's (7/5/19) racing results and came across this:

19:20 Exeter - Heavitree Brewery PLC Handicap Chase - winner Darcy Ward 6/5 Fav

Wonder who the owner is to choose that name?



Presentation, air horns, atmosphere and non-invisible interview - ah yes, I remember those days

Yes remember that night well - Track Record broken by him as well. Air horns make such a difference to atmosphere.

[Hodgy]

May 8, 2019 7:33:12 GMT admin said:

Just checking on yesterday's (7/5/19) racing results and came across this:

19:20 Exeter - Heavitree Brewery PLC Handicap Chase - winner Darcy Ward 6/5 Fav

Wonder who the owner is to choose that name?



Presentation, air horns, atmosphere and non-invisible interview - ah yes, I remember those days

The owner is a Poole supporter, think I read he was a previous Ward sponsor. Won its first race at around 16/1. Also won again a couple of weeks ago. It was all on the Poole BSF thread.

[admin]

May 8, 2019 10:09:54 GMT Hodgy said:

The owner is a Poole supporter, think I read he was a previous Ward sponsor. Won its first race at around 16/1. Also won again a couple of weeks ago. It was all on the Poole BSF thread.

I spotted it once or possibly twice before but can't recall it winning so must have missed that, like most winners.

My mug punt is to just do anything trained by O'Brien in G1 races. I couldn't be bothered to do anything last weekend so that was an 11/2 & 14/1 down the toilet. Could have done 5 (2000) x 2 (1000) £1 doubles for £10 stake and collected near £100

[Hodgy]

May 8, 2019 12:49:32 GMT admin said:

May 8, 2019 10:09:54 GMT Hodgy said:

The owner is a Poole supporter, think I read he was a previous Ward sponsor. Won its first race at around 16/1. Also won again a couple of weeks ago. It was all on the Poole BSF thread.

I spotted it once or possibly twice before but can't recall it winning so must have missed that, like most winners.

My mug punt is to just do anything trained by O'Brien in G1 races. I couldn't be bothered to do anything last weekend so that was an 11/2 & 14/1 down the toilet. Could have done 5 (2000) x 2 (1000) £1 doubles for £10 stake and collected near £100

Never been into horse racing or gambling. Helped my mate as a tic-tac at the dogs for a couple of years. It was a fun time but also makes you see how bent they both are. Lucky if half the field are trying.

I’ll stick to my Speedway GP £1.

[admin]

[admin]

- and in just a short time it was all over

Jun 12, 2020 14:03:04 GMT admin said:

Just watched again - 2 & 3 particularly (sound (flat out bikes) and superb camera angles from NZ) take your breathe away - for all of his faults, Ward was/is a tragic loss to the sport. Not many get me there under all circumstances but Ward was one of the very few!