03/07/2024
A sad day for the New Zealand harness racing community
It's with the deepest regret and sadness that I post this to you all tonight.
Our Kind Beautiful Lady has driven her last race! Please see a letter from her mum, Wendy below,
It is with the heaviest of broken hearts our loved Katie passed peacefully away this morning.
She approached cancer and the myriad of drugs she took to get through this with determination, integrity and tenacity. Her spirit was willing and she was still giving a few directives on Spy Da Moment’s times to be worked today as she was entering the ambulance.
Katie was still managing to drive horses at home with the help of her great support team, however the high dose steroids she was on to deal with the drug toxicity in her lungs showed a form of pneumonia on Monday from the blood test and CT scan. That night she started on strong antibiotics and knew the next four days were going to be difficult to get through. As determined as she was, and being on direct oxygen and concentrators her lungs struggled with getting enough oxygen and she passed away peacefully this morning. Katie was so appreciative of the fantastic support from all who knew her, and supporters she hadn’t even met.
A date will be announced for a memorial to Katie’s life..and as per her request not on a trials or race day.
Wiggy again here.
We know this is a shock to you all and the hurt will be deep and the loss you feel real.
Katie brought us all together in her journey and it's important that we all support each other and her closest the most.
Please if your on track this week wear a blue and white arm band in recognition of her racing colours. Black if you want but let's do her proud!
Thank you everyone.
