Biggest inspiration comes in smallest package

INSPIRATION can come in all shapes and sizes, and without doubt, the biggest inspiration at the beginning of 2022 has been delivered by one of the smallest packages.

Making national headlines in March 2019, little Lara Whitaker was back in the spotlight competing in mini-trotting events last weekend, for much happier reasons.

Attending the Redcliffe meeting with her family, Lara, her parents Joedy and Gary and her brother, Josh, were involved in a horrific incident which shook the industry to its core.

In fact, it is without exaggeration to state the accident was the worst harness racing has witnessed.

The Whitakers were struck by the mobile gate’s arms which failed to retract, with Lara left in critical condition due to severe facial and internal injuries.

Gary, who was holding two-year-old Lara, was struck first, which shielded the toddler slightly from the impact with doctors stating that minor protection saved her life!

Almost three years since the life-changing moment, Lara has made her racing debut at Albion Park.

Although there was no fairy tale beginning – finishing last in the three heats – Lara “had a wonderful night” according to Joedy”.

“She was well last in each of the three races, but that didn’t matter to her,” Joedy said. “She loved it and can’t wait to get out there again.

“She drove Phantom Fella which is about 30 years old and very slow.

“She’s been driving her pony on a lead, but this was the first time she’s been in a race, so the old horse is just to learn with.

“Her pony, named Chuck Norris, is quiet but quick and after she gets used to steering and gains a better understanding she will start driving Chuck Norris.

“She had a choice of four sets of colours to wear and picked her Gee-pa, my father (Don Larpent), which I think was because the colours are pink.”

Although life has returned to a degree of normality, including beginning school next month, Lara’s rehabilitation is far from complete.

“She still sees an ophthalmologist and does rehab every six months,” Joedy said. “She has scare tissue in her eye, which they keep monitoring, but she hasn’t needed glasses yet.

“They had to reset the retina and clear out the jelly as all blood splattered in there.

“She has fortnightly speech therapy and has just started seeing a child psychologist.

“As she gets older and her face changes she will still require cosmetic surgery.”