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By Mark Brassel

THE MONTH OF JUNE WAS A WELCOME CHANGE OF FORTUNES FOR ELISSA MEREDITH AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN A HARROWING RACE FALL WINTER LAST YEAR

Elissa Meredith’s affiliation with the Thoroughbred industry has never wavered and she now boasts a Diploma of Equine Dentistry.

“I am now a fully qualified equine dentist,” Elissa declared.

Elissa Meredith aboard her favourite horse Fearless Mia following a win. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

Elissa has thankfully come out the other side following many dark months after a serious race fall at Gunnedah on 4 July 2022.

The apprentice jockey suffered serious head injuries when her mount Starlink crashed to the turf early in the race.

Elissa suffered swelling and bleeding to the brain as well as fractures to her spine (T7 joint) and nose.

“I don’t remember anything about the fall, in fact I cannot even remember going to the races,” Elissa said.

She was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle where Elissa was placed in an induced coma for 20 days.

“It was a long recovery as I was in the post-traumatic unit for a further 42 days.”

It was on 22 July when Elissa was able to walk and in September, she moved to Ryde Rehabilitation Centre.

“I had the occasional weekend where I was allowed to head home for a day. I am still doing rehab and it includes work on my short-term memory.”

When Meredith began riding she was initially apprenticed to Tracey Bartley for a couple of years then went to Rodney Robb for two months after moving to Dubbo: “I ended up transferring to Clint Lundholm for 18 months.”

A stunning Elissa on her wedding day

Prior to the fall Elissa had ridden 34 winners including a treble at Narromine and doubles at Warren and Lightning Ridge.

Her first winner was in a Rising Star Series heat at Tamworth in May 2020 when successful aboard $81 roughie No Dreams All Hope.

“The Narromine treble was not expected as I’d ridden two winners and then picked up an additional mount in the morning for the final race and it was a $26 chance,” Elissa recalled.

“The horse was Streets of Suemori and I’d never ridden for Kieren Hazelton so it was a big thrill.

“The double at Lightning Ridge was also a highlight as it was the only time I’d ridden there. It’s an interesting track as its dirt until the last 200 metres then it becomes turf.

“After the first race the barriers malfunctioned so the remainder of the program was done by flag starts. Not one jockey or even a steward had been involved in flag starts before.”

When asked if she has a soft spot for one particular horse, Elissa immediately plumped for Fearless Mia.

“Without doubt! I’ve won five races on her, and I’ve already said to Clint [Lundholm] when she finishes racing, I’d love to take her in at mum and dad’s property.”

Back to the month of June 2023 and Elissa’s world changed dramatically – and deservedly so.

“I went to Fiji and got married! I’ve been with Patrick [Wheatley], a carpenter, for five years and we’ve purchased a house in Dubbo and we rent it out.

“We’re currently living with my parents at Wyong Creek on the Central Coast and they have a 52-acre property with two houses. It’s a good location as Patrick can work anywhere with his trade.”

That’s where Elissa’s new qualification came in, gaining her Diploma of Equine Dentistry on 14 June.

“I applied to do the course in Melbourne with the Australian Equine Dental Practice. I was lucky as they only accept a few students each year.

“It’s mostly online but I went down to Melbourne for the practical component. So I am now fully qualified with a Diploma of Equine Dentistry,” she said proudly.

“I thought I’d do the course as I am keen to stay in the racing industry and work with horses.

“I would eventually like to ride again as I really miss it, but the neurologist said I cannot ride for at least two years after the fall.

“All the support I received from my family, the community and Racing NSW during my recovery has been amazing – my life has really come the full circle.”