The 2013 Hickstead Derby winner was walking to compete in the international stairway class when his ride, Shirley Light’s mare Unbelievable Lady, spooked at something and spun. She fell, becoming entangled in metal fencing, and Phillip hit his head.
He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, for treatment and it was confirmed he had not been seriously injured – but medical staff had to cut off his jacket and breeches.
“I know Phillip from shows; he always smiles and says hello and has a chat; he’s one of the good guys.
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“I just thought it would be a goodwill gesture, to say we know he’s such a nice guy and this is such a horrible thing to happen, and we know how much new kit costs so I thought this would be really nice.”
Heidi added on her JustGiving page: “After all we don’t want Phillip jumping the Derby in his underpants this year!”
“But a couple of people have commented with their donations to say it might be a good idea, that maybe he should ride across the main ring in his pants!” she added.
“I can imagine the conversation and hope he sees the funny side.
“There have been some lovely comments from people. Everyone thinks he’s such a lovely man, and he’s such a grafter.
“I just hope he’s back and fit and riding – hopefully not naked – very soon.”
'You're having a laugh but at least someone's got bigger ears than me!'
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
