Scott Taylor
When, on Friday, August 20, 1999, 27-year-old Scott Taylor climbed aboard trainer Norman Mason's Te Aka Dan at Perth, he thought nothing of the horse's remote chance of winning. Scott, a bachelor who lived at Sedgefield, was used to riding no-hopers. They paid the bills, kept him involved and stirred the adrenalin in a lifestyle that consumed him.
When, on Friday, August 20, 1999, 27-year-old Scott Taylor climbed aboard trainer Norman Mason's Te Aka Dan at Perth, he thought nothing of the horse's remote chance of winning. Scott, a bachelor who lived at Sedgefield, was used to riding no-hopers. They paid the bills, kept him involved and stirred the adrenalin in a lifestyle that consumed him.
But this was to be his last ride. The horse fell at the second fence, throwing Scott some 20 feet into the air. Scott suffered appalling head injuries and was rushed to Ninewell's Hospital in Dundee.
But this was to be his last ride. The horse fell at the second fence, throwing Scott some 20 feet into the air. Scott suffered appalling head injuries and was rushed to Ninewell's Hospital in Dundee.
Twenty four hours later, after an operation to drain blood from his skull, he was reported to be 'stable'. He was brought back to life twice after his breathing stopped and was in a coma for three weeks.
Twenty four hours later, after an operation to drain blood from his skull, he was reported to be 'stable'. He was brought back to life twice after his breathing stopped and was in a coma for three weeks.
His agent, Richard Hale, said at the time: 'He's always been prepared to ride anything and give it his best. He's one of those chirpy lads, always doing something daft, who doesn't have a care in the world.'
His agent, Richard Hale, said at the time: 'He's always been prepared to ride anything and give it his best. He's one of those chirpy lads, always doing something daft, who doesn't have a care in the world.'
All that changed when his mount fell and rolled on him.
All that changed when his mount fell and rolled on him.
The Injured Jockeys Fund bought him a purpose-built bungalow at Fishburn, near Sedgefield.
The Injured Jockeys Fund bought him a purpose-built bungalow at Fishburn, near Sedgefield.
Theresa Lishman became one of his carers. They fell in love. On March 3, 2002, she gave birth to an 8lb 1oz baby boy. The couple named their son Geoffrey after Theresa's father, who had died in October 2000 after being struck by a car.
Theresa Lishman became one of his carers. They fell in love. On March 3, 2002, she gave birth to an 8lb 1oz baby boy. The couple named their son Geoffrey after Theresa's father, who had died in October 2000 after being struck by a car.
Scott's friends from the weighing room kept in touch, and were much impressed by the determined spirit he demonstrated during the rehabilitation treatment he underwent at Newcastle.
Scott's friends from the weighing room kept in touch, and were much impressed by the determined spirit he demonstrated during the rehabilitation treatment he underwent at Newcastle.
Tony Dobbin said: 'Just the other day, I was concussed and in some pain after a fall at Doncaster and, as a result, couldn't get over with the other boys for one of our regular visits to Scott.
Tony Dobbin said: 'Just the other day, I was concussed and in some pain after a fall at Doncaster and, as a result, couldn't get over with the other boys for one of our regular visits to Scott.
'I was sitting at home feeling sorry for myself when the phone rang. It was Scott. Richie McGrath had dialled my number and held the phone up for him. He was laughing down the line, telling me to cheer up and get myself together. His speech was, at that time, just beginning to come back, so hearing that call was a great pick-up for me.'
'I was sitting at home feeling sorry for myself when the phone rang. It was Scott. Richie McGrath had dialled my number and held the phone up for him. He was laughing down the line, telling me to cheer up and get myself together. His speech was, at that time, just beginning to come back, so hearing that call was a great pick-up for me.'