Damian O'Connell and Phorce Fields Ruinart on course at Wallaby Hill in the Hunter Trials
When the starter at Wallaby Hill wished Damian O’Connell good luck as he set off on cross country and Damian replied “I’ll need it – the last time I did this I ended up in hospital!” Alison Duthie was intrigued by the story behind the comment
Amateur rider Damian had suffered a crashing fall at Wallaby Hill in December but, having recovered from his injuries, he was determined to get back on and face his fears at the Wallaby Hill Equestrian Extravaganza in February
Damian admits that he didn’t get much sleep the night before the event worrying about competing again but “once I got over the third jump, I was okay”
Alison caught up with Damian after his ride to find out what motivates an amateur rider to return to eventing after a bad fall
Damian O'Connell
Back safe and ready for the next one at SIEC! Damian and wife Brianna and horse Phorce Fields Ruinart
