1989 Warwick Gold Cup Winner – Bruce Hollis & Abel

The Bruce Hollis story has the makings of a great movie, he has never let anything stop him. In 1985 he suffered a major accident when his hand became caught in a corn puller and as a result lost his hand. While most people would have seriously reassessed their position, Bruce merely carried on.
He did lose his balance, but not his nerve, and he started rehabilitation “Hollis style”, as soon as he left hospital.

He made himself a weldmesh hook, which he bandaged to his wrist, and he started competing again with this hook tied to a knot in the reins. He insists he wasn’t disobeying doctor’s orders, as the doctor didn’t give any orders! The doctors obviously assumed most patients wouldn’t attach themselves to a horse and start drafting as soon as they left hospital.

Warwick has mixed emotions for Bruce. He attended regularly since 1979, with a lot of success, including winning the Gold Cup with Abel and the saddle for the Highest Aggregate Score in 1994 with Select.

He did also provide the most dramatic scene in Gold Cup history. In 1997 Bruce suffered a heart attack while competing in the 2nd Round. He uncharacteristically missed the gate and slumped to the ground in front of the camp. Circumstances & the close proximity to medical services were all that saved Bruce’s life, yet after 5 bypasses he was back competing.

He did only miss the final by a single point, even though he was unconscious as he approached the gate, Opal finishing the round on auto pilot.

Great story taken from ‘The Warwick Gold Cup, Campdrafting Memories & Magic Moments.’ by Bev Cheers.

1989 Warwick Gold Cup Winner - Bruce Hollis & Abel