Racing: Piggott in hospital after fall

Thursday 28 July 1994 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

LESTER PIGGOTT was kept in hospital overnight after an ugly fall at Goodwood yesterday. The 58-year-old suffered facial bruising and mild concussion after his mount's saddle slipped in a sprint handicap.

Piggott slid from Coffee 'N Cream just inside the final furlong as the runners reached their fastest speed and was bounced along the turf, narrowly avoiding the hooves of those behind him as his journey ended in a disturbing somersault. 'I nearly killed that man,' Michael Roberts, one of the other riders in the race, said. 'I had to swerve to avoid him.'

When medical staff reached the jockey they found his skull protector had been wrenched off in the fall. They put a neck brace on him and ferried him to the racecourse's medical room. 'He looked a bit delirious,' Taffy Williams, one visitor, reported.

When Piggott was placed in the ambulance he had tape over his forehead, strapping him to a stretcher, and medical staff treated him with an oxygen mask. But he was able to move his arms around and communicate with his aiders. 'Lester was laughing and cracking jokes with the doctors and nurses,' Tony Ives, a fellow jockey, reported.

A spokewoman for St Richard's Hospital, Chichester, said last night: 'Lester Piggott is fine. He has suffered no serious injuries or broken bones. The hospital is keeping him in overnight for observation.'

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in