Country trainer in Melbourne hospital

One of the nice guys of harness racing in Victoria’s far north-west, Chris Smythe, has been air-lifted to a Melbourne hospital after being injured at work.

Smythe, who has been a hobby trainer at Robinvale for many years, was working near his hometown when he fell three metres to the ground on Monday afternoon.

It’s believed he suffered horrific injuries when he hit a number of objects in the fall.

Smythe was flown by helicopter to Bendigo and later transferred to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

His cousin Hughie Smythe, of Echuca, said yesterday doctors in Melbourne had decided to keep Chris in an induced coma.

“He’s in a critical but stable condition. He suffered eight broken ribs, a fractured vertebra, a fractured skull, punctured lung, a perforated eardrum and broken fingers,” Hughie said.

“But there’s been a good sign because doctors asked him to wiggle his toes and hands, and he did. His sister Celeste, who lives in Melbourne, has been providing incredible support.

“He’s the type of guy who has always avoided going to hospital if he can— he used to say to me that he’d been in hospital only twice…for the birth of his two sons.”

Hughie, who has also been involved in harness racing on and off over a long period as a trainer and owner, said Chris was “stoked” with the recent run of a first starter he produced at Swan Hill.

Four-year-old gelding Blue Cannon (Western Terror-Blue Seelster (McArdle) finished second to Ombra Artois in the Battlers of the Bush maiden a fortnight ago. The mile rate was 1.56.3.

Chris Smythe, who won his first race as a driver at the now defunct Wentworth Trotting Club over 35 years ago, has always had a handy horse in his barn, such as Bolistic (eight starts for six wins and a place) and Bonadan. In recent years he enjoyed success with Smynic (three wins) and Smynanna Mickey (seven wins).

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink