Zara's heartache

Nov 22, 2006, 13:50 GMT

Britain's Zara Phillips has learnt that the tragic death of her best friend during a horse-riding event was an accident.

The 25-year-old royal's close equestrian pal, Sherelle Duke, 28, died in August this year during a cross-country show-jumping event in Brockenhurst, England, when her horse fell on top of her, crushing her skull.

The tragedy happened at a 27-jump course, which had been created by Zara's father Captain Mark Phillips - an Olympic equestrian gold medallist who divorced Zara's mother Princess Anne in 1992.

Southampton coroner Keith Wiseman, who led the inquest into Sherelle's death, described the tragedy as a "shattering loss".

Environmental health officer Peter Harcom told the inquest that the rider's 12-year-old horse Ballystockart accidentally struck a jump, making Sherelle fall over its head.

The horse then fell head first over the fence, crushing Sherelle's skull with its entire weight.

He said: "These jumps were a test of courage and athleticism but particular jump 9b is assessed as comparatively unchallenging. It would not normally present a difficulty. No one will know why the horse fell."

Sherelle was rushed to Southampton General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Zara was left devastated by her friend's death and dedicated her gold medal at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany, to Sherelle.

She said at the event: "I went out today to do it for a friend of mine who died a week ago, to get her a medal."

(C) BANG Media International