Victorian jockey Peter Mertens has joined SCA as patron. Peter had a bad fall in 1988 breaking his neck. Fortunately he didn’t damage the spinal cord but he wasn’t able to ride for 14 months. Since returning to the track he has ridden many winners including the 2001 Adelaide cup. I met up with Peter at the Moonee Valley races and he was very aware how lucky he was not to be in a wheelchair, with a totally different life. Because of his close encounter he is very supportive of our cause and was happy to be asked to become a patron.

by Gary Allsop - Honorary Director