Historic Race Renamed to Honour Late Trainer Bill Turner Following Tragic Accident
In a poignant tribute to a racing legend, the Brocklesby Stakes has been officially renamed the William Hill Bill Turner Brocklesby Stakes. This honour commemorates veteran trainer Bill Turner, who tragically passed away last year after a freak accident involving a horse at his stables.
A Life in Racing Cut Short by Tragedy
Bill Turner, whose career spanned an impressive six decades in the sport, suffered a catastrophic skull fracture just days after celebrating his 78th birthday. The accident occurred in August last year at his stables in Sigwells, Somerset, when he was knocked over by a horse. Despite medical intervention, Turner never regained consciousness and subsequently died in hospital, leaving the racing community in mourning.
Dominating the Brocklesby Stakes
Turner built his reputation through his masterful targeting of the Brocklesby Stakes, traditionally the first two-year-old race of the Flat season held annually at Doncaster's Lincoln meeting. His remarkable record included:
- Six victories in the race, a record achievement
- His final triumph coming in 2013 with Mick's Yer Man, ridden by his grandson Ryan While
- Numerous second and third place finishes throughout his career
"He targeted it every year," explained his daughter Kathy Turner, who has taken over the licence at her father's yard. "He didn't just win it six times, he was second and third in it many times."
A Fitting Tribute from Sponsors and Venue
Ahead of the first running of the race since Turner's passing this Saturday, race sponsor William Hill and Doncaster racecourse jointly agreed to rename the event. As title sponsor of the William Hill Lincoln Meeting, the bookmaker holds naming rights over the entire seven-race card, which includes prestigious events like the Spring Mile, Cammidge Trophy, and the Lincoln itself.
Kathy Turner described receiving the news as an emotional moment: "I got a call from Doncaster and I was terribly emotional. It's a fantastic tribute. But, not being big-headed, he totally deserved it."
Family Legacy Continues in Renamed Race
In a remarkable twist of fate, Kathy Turner has entered three horses for the newly renamed race and may run two of them. Her potential contenders include:
- Martha Brown, an Aclaim filly
- Summer Sadness, a Territories gelding purchased at Newmarket
- Nevernotrememberu, a filly by first-season sire Caturra
"They're all going well, doing nice bits of work and have come out of the stalls," she reported. "Dad would probably never have run two in it but I think that gives you more chance so I might run two. To win the race would be a dream come true – and we'll give it a good go."
The renaming of this historic race ensures that Bill Turner's legacy will be remembered every time the starting gates open for the first two-year-old race of the Flat season, preserving his memory within the sport he dedicated his life to.
