Heart-wrenching moment for Morris

3 January 2023

ACE reinsman David Morris admits that life went into slow motion when his wife Steph was involved in a nasty fall at Penrith Paceway last week.

Lying unconscious on the track after talking a heavy tumble from Triple VC in Race 4, Morris was travelling right behind her driving Bell Riverkid.

And he now recalls actually calling out to Steph while she was literally in the air and for a brief moment he even considered if he might be able to catch her before she hit the deck.

Obviously, he couldn’t. And in his efforts to avoid another collision, actually drove over the top of her after she landed heavily.

The good news is, Steph is battered and bruised but is already on the mend and despite some dizziness from a concussion, is already wondering when she will be allowed back onto the track.

“She was one very lucky girl,” said an emotional Morris, who was among the first to reach her side.

“Steph’s getting there slowly and does have some bruising and swelling from the fall. But gee, she was lucky.

“Everyone has been so supportive and kind to us since then.

“About all I can remember was throwing the reins to Julie Henman as I rushed back out there.

“We’ve always told each other if there was a fall to stay still in case there was any serious damage.

“But for a fleeting moment I really thought she was dead – she was so still.

“Then, amazingly, she started snoring; so I immediately thought that was a good thing and she was breathing.”

So while Steph recovers David heads for Tabcorp Park Menangle today with five good drives on the seven-race program.

The best of those appears to be Philandering Chief for trainer Dennis Day in Race 5 and rated a $7 chance in early markets.

“I’ve only had one drive on this bloke and that was at our last meeting here at Menangle just before Christmas,” said Morris.

“He went to the line looking for some clear air and probing for a run but just couldn’t get a clear crack them.

“He’s a big brute of a thing but he’s just beautiful to drive and should be a good chance today.”

Morris has his first drive on last-start winner Reign Maker ($17) in Race 7, one of two drives for Menangle trainer Leon Jurd.