Washington College Magazine
Will and Shakespeare—A Winning Combination
Will Phipps '05
Although Will Phipps '95 graduated with a degree in English and an emphasis on creative writing, his favorite Shakespeare has a flowing mane, four legs, and a flair for speed. As an assistant to Bill Mott, one of the leading thoroughbred trainers in the country, Phipps cares for 76 racehorses. One of Phipps' charges, the four-year-old colt named for the English bard, is generally regarded among the top grass horses in the country.
Phipps' love affair with horses began in high school, when he spent a weekend at a friend's horse farm. At WC Phipps helped establish the College's first equestrian team in 1992. He made it possible for students to ride at Seven Hills Stables in Worton and Kent Equestrian Center. Washington College hosted its first intercollegiate equestrian competition during Phipps' college days.
As proud as he is of his impact at Washington College, Phipps' greatest achievement in the horse arena lies in his relationship with Shakespeare, a horse with a story comparable to that of the legendary Sea Biscuit.
According to Phipps, "Shakespeare was tough to ride, so few people wanted to get on him. I was able to give him a try, and started to train him." With Phipps' guidance, Shakespeare made it to the turf track and won two races, before fracturing the bottom joint of his leg in 2004.
Vets said that Shakespeare's career was over, but the colt disagreed. He won his first race of 2005 on opening day at Saratoga and then went on to the winner's circle in the Belmont Breeders' Cup Handicap at Belmont Park and the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1). This spring, with Phipps by his side, Shakespeare heads to the United Arab Emirates for the Dubai Duty Free Turf Classic, the richest turf race in the world.
With a dream job and exciting opportunities every day, Phipps remains grateful to his alma mater. "If it hadn't been for Washington College assisting with my passion and the equestrian club, I couldn't have continued learning and riding."
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