Community rallies behind injured young trainer

An outpouring of support and generosity is flooding in for Victorian harness racing trainer Allanah Logie, who remains in hospital following a devastating training accident earlier this month.

The Kilmore horsewoman – who works a team with her partner Corey Bell and rides trackwork for gallops trainers – sustained life-threatening injuries in a fall from a galloper and was airlifted to Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital.

She suffered multiple fractures to the right side of her skull and has already undergone surgeries, with several more to come.

Logie will be on the sidelines for an extended period, and a Gofundme campaign set up to assist her get back on her feet, has raised $16,000 to help with medical bills, rent, and to help care for her beloved horses and rescue animals.

Alannah’s mum Gai shared that the 28-year-old is “incredibly lucky to be alive”, after crushing every bone on the right side of her skull.

“She is lucky not to be blind or brain-damaged,” Gai wrote.

“I cannot explain how much it means to us to have so much support. Allanah has rescued multiple animals – mostly horses – and she rehabilitates and rehomes them.

“The horses and animals rely a lot on her income, so knowing she can focus on recovery without stressing as much is just so unbelievably kind.”

Alannah, who has trained 17 harness racing winners, sent a message of thanks to community members who had reached out or made donations.

“Thank you to everyone who is and has helped me. We had just taken on a new place to cater for our horses and didn’t think anything like this would happen. Thank God for the kindness from all of you,” she said.

“I haven’t been on my phone much because my eyes are so sensitive. If I haven’t replied to anything, I apologise and just know I love you all so much and couldn’t appreciate you more,” she wrote.

“It’s not been easy, but I’m so lucky to have my mum and Corey supporting me – and now all of you. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.”

Allanah is now awaiting another surgery at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where she’ll undergo a procedure to insert a plate and screws to repair facial fractures.

Gofundme organiser Kate Goodrich said for gallops trainers, riders like Alannah were critical to their operations.

“She rides for multiple small trainers who otherwise would not be able to get their horses worked and possibly not be able to train at all,” Goodrich said.

“Alannah is an avid rehomer of both standardbreds and thoroughbreds.  She recently took on an older thoroughbred gelding who was in a dire state and nursed him back to complete health, all done out of her own pocket,” she said.

“Alannah’s only source of income is from track riding, and she has many mouths to feed – it’s great that the industry is providing support to help her through this tough time.”

To donate, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-track-work-rider-allanah-logie-zt8v8

Harnesslink Media