Last Wish

Racing lover, Nigel Latham’s dying wish was to spend one more day at the races.

The request was granted on the first day of the Adelaide Carnival at Morphettville on Saturday. Nigel’s hospital bed was taken out to the 200m marker close up to the fence, so he could feel close to the horses for the last time as they travelled down the straight.

Craig Williams, the Melbourne Cup-winning jockey, made it his priority to acknowledge Nigel and show his appreciation for his remarkable support. The story has attracted the eyes of the world.

Williams was having a successful day in the saddle, which included a victory in the Group 1 Sangster Stakes on Instant Celebrity.

In his final interview of the day, Williams' sole concern was that of honouring Nigel and his devotion to the sport. He wanted to ensure that all spectators, whether at home or also at the track, were aware of Nigel’s presence there and that it would be his last.

He said, "So to Nigel Latham, I said to my horse if she'd get over the line, we'd make sure we give him the winning goggles and she did her job really well.”

"It was his inspiration we'd like to be grateful to people like Nigel who support the industry and have his last dying wish coming here today for a great race day."

The local South Australian ambulance employees deserve heaps of praise in their dedication, going above and beyond for their patient.