Urgent appeal launched for former top jockey in critical condition in hospital

Tony Ives, who rode over 2,000 winners worldwide, won the Arlington Million on Teleprompter in 1985 and was regular rider of record-breaking two-year-old Provideo

An urgent appeal has been launched for a former top jockey who is in a critical condition in hospital.

Tony Ives was one of the top Flat riders in Britain during the height of his career in the 1970s and 80s, landing his most famous win on Teleprompter in the 1985 Arlington Million, then one of the most valuable races in the world.

He also enjoyed a successful association with Newmarket trainer Bill O’Gorman, riding many of his best youngsters Superpower, Superlative, Brondesbury and Mummy’s Game plus the prolific Provideo, who set a 20th century record for a two-year-old by winning 16 out of his 24 races.

He rode Forest Flower to victory in the 1987 Irish 1,000 Guineas, his only Classic success, and partnered Remainder Man to finish second in the 2,000 Guineas and third in the Derby in 1978.

He later moved to Hong Kong to continue his career and remained in South East Asia. He was riding in Macau when forced to quit the saddle in 1997 because of a worsening back problem, after which he held assistant trainer roles.

Ives, who is in his 70s, now lives in Thailand but in the last few days has been admitted to hospital after developing a blood infection.

A GoFundMe appeal has been launched by David Harrison to help pay medical bills and other related costs.

An update on his situation said: “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.”

Harrison went on: “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.”

The fund has already passed its target having reached nearly £7,000.