A WOMAN who suffered life-changing injuries in horse-racing accident 10 years ago has established a new career as a successful trainer.

Suzzanne Frank, who lives in Norton, was thrown from her horse at Redcar Racecourse in May 2007 leaving her brain damaged and half-blind.

She said: “After the race accident I had to learn how to do many things again, like walk and use a knife and fork, yes, its been hard but I’ve learnt a lot about life from going through it all, and I’m loving the way things are starting to turn out.

“When I left the hospital I remember the doctor telling me it was likely that I would never ride a horse or drive a car again. I heard it, but even at that point I didn’t realise how bad it was.

Suzanne said that horses were her life and she was determined to get back into racing.

“I was told not to pursue my career in the racing industry but it was my life. The more I was told not to, the harder I tried to get back,” she added.

Suzzanne, 36, decided that if she could not race anymore she would set up her own stables, Newstart Racing in Beverley Road. Norton.

She, said: “I’m so pleased to think that after the last 10 years, all the hard rehabilitation and work I’ve been through, seems to finally be starting to pay off.

"When I started out with the training licence, there seemed to be no better name than Newstart Racing, as it was certainly a new start for me.

"I’m happy doing what we do here in Newstart Yard and although no two trainers would do all the same things, the things we do in our yard seem to work well for us.

“I’d like to thank all our loyal share owners, and the Dobb family, as all their support has enabled us to get to where we are today, and I get the feeling this year things are just going to get even better from here.”

For more information go to suzzannefranceracing.co.uk.