Trainer Bill Turner has died at the age of 78 following a serious accident on Monday. Turner, who was based in Sigwells, Somerset, was a former jockey and became synonymous with the Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster, winning the traditional first race of the Flat turf season six times.
He had been in a serious condition in hospital after reportedly fracturing his skull in a fall. His daughter Kathy announced his death on Thursday afternoon. Speaking at Chepstow racecourse, she told Sky Sports Racing: “Dad passed away about an hour and a half ago. We got the call in the lorry.”
Kathy added: “I’d made the decision to come here. The horse [Red Snapper] was to run in dad’s name in his honour. Whatever had happened he would have wanted that. He slipped away this morning. The support from everyone in racing has been absolutely outstanding.”
Turner’s last Brocklesby winner came in 2013, which held special significance as it was ridden by his grandson Ryan While. Kathy said: “His best ever moment was when Ryan won the Brocklesby on Mick’s Yer Man.”
Brant Dunshea, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, said: “Everybody at the BHA is deeply saddened by the news of Bill Turner’s death. Bill was a wonderful stalwart of our sport. He poured his heart and soul into racing, both as a jockey and then a trainer, and we will particularly miss his annual runner in the Brocklesby Stakes.”
