Dan O’Sullivan says the Ballarat thoroughbred industry has thrown its support behind staff affected by Darren Weir’s four-year ban.
More than 100 workers at Weir’s principal stable face uncertain futures following Weir’s disqualification for possession of three electrical devices.
“Everyone has rallied around staff and got behind the communities,” O’Sullivan said.
“It’s like a death in the family when everyone doesn’t know how to deal with the shock.
“Last weekend it was very much doom and gloom but things are rolling around now.”
O’Sullivan said he hoped Weir would return to racing and he had been influential in making Ballarat a state-of-the-art training centre.
“Weiry has been absolutely huge for Ballarat, for the training centre and getting things done,” O’Sullivan said.
O’Sullivan enjoyed success at Sandown on Wednesday when Pria Eclipse broke an exasperating run of second placings.
In a 41 start career, Pria Eclipse has recorded four wins with a further 16 runner-up finishes.
“The 16 seconds, it’s a lot to deal with,” O’Sullivan said.
“Running second is better than third or fourth and she stuck her head out today and got the job done.
“She’s a very well-bred filly and this city win will do a lot for her when she becomes a broodmare down the track.”
Skelm, winner of the 2100m Ladbrokes Handicap ,provided Terry Kelly with his first city success in almost six years.
And apprentice Lewis German record his first win in town, guiding Pickup The Pieces home in The Peninsula Picnic Handicap for Lindsay Park.
