Grahame Timbrell | 23rd Jun 2014 6:41 AM

SAD LOSS: Trainer Danny Bowen, right, with his son and stable foreman Daniel during a race meeting at Murwillumbah.Contributed

THE family of long-time local horse trainer Danny Bowen plans to establish a foundation in his memory after his life support was turned off at Lismore Base Hospital last Friday night.

His death comes after a long battle with severe depression and his family believes there is not enough support available for people in the racing industry who have the condition.

"Dad was in severe pain because of the depression and desperately wanted help but he couldn't get the support he needed," his daughter, Brooke Bowen, said yesterday.

"We don't want Dad's death to be in vain.

"We want to establish a foundation in his name so that people in the racing industry - particularly trainers, strappers and jockeys - can get help when they need it.

"We need people giving that help who understand the racing industry and know what people in this industry go through.

We want to establish a foundation in his name so that people in the racing industry - particularly trainers, strappers and jockeys - can get help when they need it

"It is a very hard game.

"Once everything settles down we will look at the mechanics of setting it all up."

Danny Bowen's funeral will be held at the Ballina race course, possibly early next week.

It has had to be delayed until a post mortem is completed.

"Dad's heart and soul was in Ballina and he loved that race course," Brooke said.

"It is the appropriate place to hold it."

Danny Bowen trained for most of his career out of Ballina before recently moving his stable to Lismore.

He was planning to retire at the end of this season and hand over to his son and foreman, Daniel, who is applying for his licence.

The horses are being transferred temporarily to fellow Lismore trainer and long-time family friend Jennifer Smith until Daniel Bowen secures his licence.

Recently, Victorian-based Caulfield Cup-winning trainer Tony Vasil publicly admitted to severe depression and sought help in North Queensland.

"It doesn't matter how successful you are, the pressures as a trainer can still wear you down and, in Dad's case and again in Tony Vasil's case, lead to severe depression," Daniel said.

"It was the pressures that wore Dad down.

"No one realises how much pressure trainers are under, particularly country trainers."

Danny Bowen is survived by his wife Shelley, children Daniel, Brooke and Leanne, and eight grandchildren
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Assistance: Racing NSW has worked tirelessly to establish specialist programs to support industry participants in times of need.

Bowen Jr, 29, has been a long-time stable foreman and Racing NSW yesterday granted approval for him to take over his father’s Lismore stables.

Danny Bowen, one of the northern NSW’s leading trainers, died last Friday night, after his life support was turned off at Lismore Base Hospital. It is understood he had been suffering from depression.

Bowen’s family plan to establish a foundation in his memory to provide help for people in the racing industry who suffer from the disease.

Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’landys said “Bowen’s passing and the circumstances around it are a tragedy for his family and, of course, his friends and the larger racing community.

“Danny was well known in the northern rivers of New South Wales as a larger than life character that not only raced a lot locally, but travelled his horses for the right races. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

“Depression and pressures of life are issues that cut across all sections of the community, and racing is no exception.

“Racing NSW has worked closely with the Trainers Association, Jockeys Association and other industry representatives in recent years to establish specialist programs to support our participants in times of need.

Working in the racing industry can be extremely demanding occupation. Picture: Mark Evans

“Specialist psychologists and counsellors are available to trainers, strappers, jockeys and others who may need support and professional help to balance their lives. The programs are at no cost to our participants and completely confidential.

“Racing NSW is very conscious of the dangers of depression and will continue to offer our support through these specialist programs.”

NSW Trainers Association chief executive Steve McMahon said the news of Bowen’s death is “heart breaking”.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Danny’s family, friends and fellow trainers,’’ McMahon said.

“Trainers are doing it tough across the country but there is help out there. My plea to trainers is please never be too proud to ask for help if you’re struggling.’’

Bowen is survived by his wife Shelley, children Daniel, Brooke and Leanne and eight grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have yet to be finalised.

Racing NSW recommends those in the racing industry suffering from depression to contact:

Trainer/Strapper Assistance program — 1300 88 77 24 or jockeys assistance program — (02) 9929 8515 / 0403 944 900 and Lifeline — 13 11 14