Appeal for Queen’s former jockey in critical condition in Thai hospital smashes target hours after being launched
THE Gofundmepage launched for the Queen’s former jockey reached it’s target within hours as famous racing names flocked to send money.
Tony Ives, 71, was hospitalised a few days ago after developing a blood infection last week.
His two daughters, Tatier, 16, Taya, 19 paid for the first few days of his treatment, but soon ran out of cash.
The appeal was then launched by Ives’ friend David Harrison for £3,000 was smashed within hours, and, just a day later has reached over £8,000.
William Buick was the top donator, covering the whole £3,000 with his generous offerings.
The Piggott Family handed over a very generous £1,000, while Frankie Dettori and Jimmy Quinn were amongst the other big names to donate.
Tony Ives rode multiple horses for the late Queen, Elizabeth II, during his two years as stable jockey for Ian Balding and one of the top Flat jockeys during the 1970s and 80s.
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He famously won the 1985 Arlington Million – a world-famous race in its day – aboard Teleprompter, and won the 1987 Irish 1,000 Guineas on Forest Flower.
He also rode for Lester Piggot for two years when the former jock started his training career.
Later in his career Ives moved to Hong Kong and remained in South East Asia. He now lives in Thailand where he has been hospitalised.
Harrison wrote on the Gofundmepage:
“Tony was transferred to ICU at Overbrook Hospital, Chiang Rai where he spent the night in a critical condition with high fever and a blood infection.
“This morning his condition has stabilized and his fever is down. The hospital expect him to be moved out of ICU later today. His two daughters Tatier 16, Taya 19 and grandchild Tilin (6 months old) are by his bedside.
“I’m calling on Tony’s friends now as we are in urgent need of money for his medical bills.
“Unfortunately his two daughters have run out of money after paying over a week of hospital bills, the local hotels they will stay in are now very kindly covered by Mrs Phamee.
“The hospital have just called with an update on costs, ICU already about 59,000 Baht (£1,350) and we expect with private room, nursing costs etc will total around 5,000 Baht (£120) a day expected for roughly 14 days.
“We are looking to raise around £3,000 for Tony’s past and upcoming medical bills. Any donation to help Tony would be greatly appreciated.
“Thankyou to all the medical staff at the hospital for their ongoing treatment of our friend Tony.”
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