Paul counting his lucky stars

Popular Queensland freelance harness racing reinsman Paul Diebert is still a bit sore after being involved in a spectacular race fall, but he’s just relieved he escaped serious injury.

“When I saw the horse I was following go down, I remember thinking Gee I’m in a world of hurt here,” Diebert, of Tamborine, in the Gold Coast Hinterland, said.

“I’ve probably been involved in eight or nine falls since I started driving in 2012-the latest one was the worst, so I reckon I was pretty lucky.”

The drama unfolded at Redcliffe at the midweek meeting last Wednesday. Tracer Bullet (Angus Garrard) fell while racing in the death-seat. Garrard became airborne but was thrown to the middle of the track, clear of the trailing horses. Diebert, travelling in the one-one, reacted quickly in an attempt to avoid Garrard, but a domino effect ensued, with Diebert’s horse Tactfilly Miracle severely checked, disolodging the driver. Crown Mojo, which was following was unable to avoid the trouble, with driver Matt Neilson having absolutely nowhere to go, but over the top of Diebert.

“I got to my feet and walked up the track. I knew I had a few bruises, but the medical people were concerned I may have been concussed,” Diebert said.

“Later I spent a few hours in hospital to get checked out completely. It was a relief to hear I didn’t have any internal bleeding or anything else and was allowed to go home.

“I enjoy working out in the gym and that probably helped me a bit,” he said.

“That was the third time a horse has fallen in front of me during a race. My pop (Norm Diebert Snr) simply told me ‘That’s one less fall coming for you’.”

Diebert, who not long ago reached a personal milestone of driving his 600th winner, was cleared by doctors on Friday. All three drivers competed at Albion Park on Saturday night, with Garrard able to bounce back with a double.

Diebert had a 12-month stint in West Australia, working for Michael Brennan and former tennis pro-turned harness racing trainer Ross Olivieri.

“I’ve been in Queensland for the last eight years and love it. My parents moved up here earlier this year so that was great,” he said.

The much sought-after reinsman does the bulk of his driving for well-known stables including Shannon Price, Mark Dux, Adam Sanderson and Melissa Gillies.

“They all support me as well as a few others which is nice. I also do some morning work at Shannon’s place.”

By Terry Gange for Harnesslink