Darcy Ward Injury Update
Australian star Darcy Ward crashed at Zielona Gora on Sunday evening.
The Queenslander was thrown awkwardly from his machine while racing for Zielona Gora in the Polish Ekstraliga. He landed on the back of his neck after catching Grudziadz rider Artem Laguta’s back wheel in heat 15 of Falubaz’s 57-33 home win.
Following a two-and-a-half-hour operation in Zielona Gora last night, Falubaz team doctor Robert Zapotoczny confirmed the Brisbane-born rider’s condition is stable and he is breathing unaided.
A press release from Ward’s British parent club Poole on Sunday night confirmed that the former SGP star had no lower body feeling. A more detailed update on the Swindon and Piraterna rider’s health is expected in 48 hours.
Zapotoczny told a press conference: “After a two-and-a-half-hour operation, Darcy is in a stable condition. He is able to breathe independently. He is conscious and he is able to answer simple questions. Darcy is able to execute simple actions and recognises other people.
“Chris Holder arrived at the hospital last night and remains at Darcy’s bedside following the cancellation of Elite League match between Poole and Swindon this evening. Darcy’s mechanics are also constantly by his side.
“There will be no further information or details about his injuries. Our next update will be on Wednesday. Two days should give us time to figure out the extent of Darcy’s injuries. Also, he must give his approval to reveal information protected by medical confidentiality.”
Poole team manager Neil Middleditch travelled to Poland this morning to be with a rider he regards as his surrogate son, having provided the Pirates asset a British base at his Dorset home for a number of years.
Club owner Matt Ford said: “We will continue to monitor Darcy’s situation and will update on his condition when we are in a position to do.
“It goes without saying that the news has hit our club hard. We treat Darcy as one of our own and, as I said last night, we will continue to do everything possible to help Darcy through this difficult time.”
BSI Speedway managing director Torben Olsen said: “On behalf of everyone at BSI Speedway, we send Darcy, as well as his friends and family our very best wishes at this tough time. Our thoughts are with you.”
