She is back!
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Moonbi-based Elly Chapple will make a return to harness racing on Thursday afternoon at the Tamworth meeting - her first driving engagement after being involved in a horrendous race fall at Inverell in March.
After sustaining injuries in the fall, Chapple was conveyed to the Lismore Hospital via the Westpac Rescue Chopper. She was operated on to repair a broken elbow.
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Chapple, 17, has been encouraged by her quicker-than-expected recovery.
"I thought it would have probably taken a bit longer but it is good to be back so quickly," she said. "I had a trial drive last week and I thought I would be worried but it all just came back naturally.
"I thought going up to the gate [that] I would remember the fall but it felt the same as usual."
The year 12 student has accepted the drive behind Apollon, trained by her father Dean, in the Garrard's Horse and Hound Pace. "I am only taking the one drive on Thursday - get the racing confidence back and work from there," Chapple said.
"I have been doing trackwork with Dad at home - we have 11 horses in work at the moment."
From the eight barrier, Chapple will be looking for a safe passage at the start of the 1609 metre race.
... to get around safe is my main aim.
- Elly Chapple
"I am hoping to fill a place, but to get around safe is my main aim."