Philip Turner
Shortly before 2.00 pm on Wednesday, March 23, 1949, veteran amateur rider Philip Joshua Turner cantered his mount Thumper down to the start for division one of the Felpham Handicap Hurdle.
Shortly before 2.00 pm on Wednesday, March 23, 1949, veteran amateur rider Philip Joshua Turner cantered his mount Thumper down to the start for division one of the Felpham Handicap Hurdle.
Phil was getting on in years for a National Hunt jockey, having reached the age of 50. Appearance-wise, many people commented on his resemblance to the well-known actor Robertson Hare.
Phil was getting on in years for a National Hunt jockey, having reached the age of 50. Appearance-wise, many people commented on his resemblance to the well-known actor Robertson Hare.
He knew his eight-year-old grey mount well, having partnered him in all seven of his previous starts that season. They’d done best when three-length runners-up in a similar race at Windsor 12 days before, after which they’d finished fourth at Plumpton five days later. Although the betting market dismissed them as 20-1 outsiders, Philip was hoping he and Thumper would go close at Fontwell, their third race within a fortnight
He knew his eight-year-old grey mount well, having partnered him in all seven of his previous starts that season. They’d done best when three-length runners-up in a similar race at Windsor 12 days before, after which they’d finished fourth at Plumpton five days later. Although the betting market dismissed them as 20-1 outsiders, Philip was hoping he and Thumper would go close at Fontwell, their third race within a fortnight
However, having been in contention early, Thumper was beaten when falling two hurdles from home. Thumper got up and galloped off. Phil Turner was not so fortunate, for he’d suffered a serious head injury.
However, having been in contention early, Thumper was beaten when falling two hurdles from home. Thumper got up and galloped off. Phil Turner was not so fortunate, for he’d suffered a serious head injury.
He was taken unconscious to the Royal Sussex Hospital where he died from his injuries seven days later on March 30, 1949, aged 50.
He was taken unconscious to the Royal Sussex Hospital where he died from his injuries seven days later on March 30, 1949, aged 50.