In a chilling turn of events, Don Dwyer, a respected horse trainer and committee member at the Yea racecourse, found himself in a life-or-death struggle after a routine course inspection turned perilous. His decision to walk the grounds ahead of the season’s return on Saturday led to a terrifying encounter with one of the world’s deadliest snakes, an eastern brown, right at the entrance to the mounting yard.
The incident unfolded as Dwyer was preparing to close a gate. “I walked around to close the gate and it wrapped straight around my leg,” Dwyer recounted from the Northern Hospital. “I gave it one flick to get off me and he bit me, just below my ankle. I gave him another flick and he bit me again and then took off.” The immediate sensation was excruciating, described as “somebody jammed a fork into my foot twice.” Dwyer, who had swapped his work boots for sneakers, realized he had likely stepped on the camouflaged snake, which was basking in the sun on the mown and sun-scorched grass. “The parade ring had been mowed and the grass had burnt in the sun and the snake was brown, so I couldn’t see the bloody thing,” he added.
Promptly contacting club officials, Dwyer’s situation escalated quickly. An ambulance was dispatched, but its arrival was delayed by 40 minutes. During this critical waiting period, paramedics provided instructions over the phone for applying a tourniquet. Dwyer spent the night in intensive care before being moved to the emergency ward. Reflecting on the severity of his situation, Dwyer stated, “If you don’t get help you die, there’s no second chances, it’s a snake bite from one of the deadliest in the world.” While snakes can deliver dry bites, this particular encounter involved a significant envenomation. Medical professionals were able to prepare antivenom after assessing the substantial amount of venom detected in his system. The experience has left him feeling profoundly weakened, with the venom “zapping” his energy.
This harrowing incident marks the climax of an already emotional week for Dwyer. Just last Friday, he had trained Kulina to victory in the Picnic Corinthian race at Cranbourne, dedicating the win to his sister who had recently passed away from cancer. His urgent desire to return home to care for his horses was met with a stark warning from doctors. “I said to the doctor ‘I’ve got to get home I’ve got horses to feed’ and he said to me ‘no problem Don, we can’t keep you here leave anytime, but you’ll die’,” Dwyer recalled. His characteristic humor shone through as he quipped, “So I asked him what was for dinner!”
Despite the ordeal, Dwyer, a four-time picnic premiership trainer and former Group 1 winning harness trainer in New Zealand, remains determined to participate in the Yea meeting. With the support of his partner Mary, track rider Alana, and fellow local trainers, he hopes to still present four contenders at Saturday’s races. As for the condition of the track he never got to fully inspect, Dwyer wryly remarked, “I never got to walk it, all I can tell you is the track is green!” Fortunately for racegoers, a snake catcher was brought in by club officials on Thursday morning to ensure the course is safe.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in the Australian environment and the importance of preparedness and swift medical attention when dealing with venomous wildlife. The dedication of trainers like Don Dwyer, who persevere through extraordinary challenges, underscores the passion and commitment within the racing community.
