13.04 or 1.04pm. A time for lunch breaks, naps, a bit of exercise, and a life altering incident behind the boxes at the Sale Greyhound Racing Club for trainer Leon Lacy.

On Wednesday 14^th August 2024, Leon Lacy went to put his beloved greyhound Queen Maggie into box six when as Leon describes, he went one way, and the dog went the other.

Leon’s heart stopped behind the boxes and if it wasn’t for the quick actions from track staff, stewards and his fellow trainers, Leon quite simply wouldn’t be here today.

“I had no warning,” Leon said.

Rob Stephens, Justin Booker, Nicole Lund and Garry McMillian are among the track staff, fellow trainers and stewards who restarted Leon’s heart after it stopped and kept it going until the ambulance arrived shortly after.

Leon was flown to Clayton hospital where he later had a Defibrillator put in.

“We are both so overwhelmed with the bravery shown by everyone behind the boxes,” Leon and Vicki said.

“Both the paramedics and doctors said that Leon wouldn’t have made it if it wasn’t for everyone actions on course.”

The heroic acts from behind the boxes were matched by the comradery shown by fellow trainers on the day and well into the future.

“You don’t know how good it is to be part of our greyhound community until something like this happens”

“I was in a fair bit of shock after it happened,” Vicki said.

“I didn’t have to worry about a thing at the track though. I had trainers helping take Queen Maggie home from the track as well as myself and our car.”

“It was amazing. You don’t know how good it is to be part of our greyhound community until something like this happens.”

“We really are one big extended family. If people are in need, there is not one person who isn’t willing to lend a hand.”

Leon and Vicki had four racing greyhounds at home but have been taken in by Brett Mackie while Leon recovers.

Apart from a few sore ribs and missing the dogs, Leon is back at home under the watchful eye of Vicki.

“Leon’s recovery is going well. He is up to four short walks a day, but he just can’t wait to have the dogs back at home, we are really missing them,” Vicki said.

Leon and Vicki have been training greyhounds for more than 45 years, keeping four dogs at a time in their Noble Park residence.

“We want to thank everyone who not only helped us on the day, but those who check in on me after Leon was taken to hospital and have continued to check on the both of us.” Vicki said.