Racing: Horror fall hospitalises top trainer Donna Logan

Trainer Donna Logan.

High profile trainer Donna Logan will be told this morning if she requires metal plates inserted into her badly injured face.

The Ruakaka horsewoman has been hospitalised since smashing her face into the side of a Matakana swimming pool.

She has fractured eye sockets, fractures to her skull and jaw and what she describes as a tiny brain bleed.

"I'm a bit of a mess," she told the Herald through clenched teeth from her Auckland Hospital bed yesterday. Logan was originally admitted to North Shore Hospital then transferred to Auckland when the extent of her injuries became apparent.

The accident could not have come at a worse time. Logan was meant to marry partner Peter Woods last Friday, be celebrated at the local Ruakaka races on Saturday and in a week or so fly to Singapore to take up a high profile training career in one of the world's most significant racing venues. The first two didn't happen and the third, it appears, will not be happening at least in the short term. "I'll know more tomorrow when they tell me whether I need the metal inserted."

The bright spot of the week was Logan and training partner Chris Gibbs producing five of the eight winners at Ruakaka.

"Robert [her son] brought his laptop to the hospital and we watched each of the races."

Winning multiple races at home is not unusual for the Logan/Gibbs stable, but there were a couple of special highlights this time.

Romancer returned to his best form and Richie McHorse, a newcomer to the stable, won the second last race.

The Logan/Gibbs trained Romancer wins at Ruakaka on Saturday. Photo / Tanya White

The beautifully bred Richie McHorse looked exceptional before going amiss. He was transferred to Ruakaka to utilise the beach and needed his first two runs this preparation. "He was a bit porky for his first two runs, but they got him fit," says Chris Gibbs.

He is staying bred and when he gets to a middle distance - 1600m Saturday - his real form will be revealed.

The first of the horses Donna Logan will take to Singapore are due to be flown on the 29th of this month. If Logan is unable to fly over early, and that seems likely, Graham Forbes, who will be assistant trainer in Singapore, will travel earlier and tidy up arrangements. Forbes has been managing assistant trainer for the stable at Ruakaka.

"I've been in touch with plenty of trainers, Laurie Laxon, Lee Freedman, Bruce Marsh and Mark Walker and everyone has been very helpful." Most of us are looking to lose weight after holiday excess, but Donna Logan will have no problem.

"I can't eat solid food and I'm not allowed even drinks, because straws are forbidden. I have to squeeze puree through my lips."

And when will the wedding be? "God knows.

"Might have been better if I'd said no."