We were lucky to get out just in time
IN TIMES of need the industry has proven over and over it looks after of its own.
Sure ‘white line fever’ takes control during the course of competition, but when it comes to the crunch a helping hand is always extended.
That was the case again last night as Troy Williams made the difficult decision to evacuate his Windsor-based property.
Like a vast area of New South Wales, Williams’ land has succumbed to flood waters.
As such Williams had to quickly move 15 horses before the roads became inaccessible.
“She’s pretty bad at the moment,” Williams said. “We moved 15 horses yesterday and we were lucky to get out just in time before roads closed off.
“Within an hour of making the decision to move and ringing Rob Morris and David Wonson we had the floats to move them and place to go.
“Rob, KerryAnn, David and Club Menangle have been awesome helping us transport the horses and giving us the retention barn to use.
“I cannot thank them enough or all the people who have made contact offering help.”
After tending to the stable’s needs, Williams checked on fellow horseman Brian Portelli before moving his family.
“I was at Brian’s making sure he was right last night,” Williams said. “He’s ok.
“We watched it rise and fall constantly, but he probably hasn’t got the worst of it yet.
“I got my family out about 3am and we had to cut a couple of fences and go through neighbouring properties to get out.”
Returning to assess the damage this morning, Williams was pleased to see his house was unaffected – a scenario which could change this evening.
“I had a couple of horses I couldn’t get out but managed to get in to today and move them to higher ground,” Williams said.
“At this stage house is still ok but the water is within 10 metres of the house.
“Luckily it’s a pole home but if the water was another metre higher the lower level and shed would be under.
“On all reports this afternoon about 5pm the flood will be at its worse as it is rising about a foot every hour, which puts the house at risk.”