Bell’s training business was crippled after a strangles outbreak at his stables in December 2016. He subsequently walked away from the industry as he battled mounting debts and personal depression.

Bell recently returned to training with just the one horse, Harlin Rose, who was unplaced at Ipswich on Wednesday. He described the support he received as “unbelievable and overwhelming” and revealed the funds raised by his training peers had “saved me”.

“I was embarrassed by it,” Bell told Radio TAB. “I felt I had failed. The support of so many good people in this industry and family and friends outside the industry was really overwhelming to me.”

Bell worked for Lindsay Park many years ago and last week he visited the Hayes operation at Euroa at the invitation of co-trainer Tom Dabernig.

“They made contact with me and said I could have a position in a senior foreman role,” he said. “I spent a couple of days there. It’s absolutely mind-boggling. It looks a great opportunity and would give me the opportunity to work with high quality horses. I am reluctant to leave all my family and friends, but recognise I need to move forward.”

Bell quit the sport last September, having estimated the strangles case cost him more than $100,000.