Individual, Bill Turner, currently critical in the hospital, following a skull fracture sustained in an accident
Bill Turner: The Trainer Known for Six Brocklesby Stakes Wins
In the world of British horseracing, the name Bill Turner is synonymous with success, particularly in the Brocklesby Stakes. Over the course of six decades, Turner achieved a remarkable feat by winning this prestigious race a total of six times, a record that remains unbeaten[1][2][3].
The Brocklesby Stakes, traditionally the first race of the Flat turf season, is held at Doncaster. Turner's victories in this event made him synonymous with the competition. His first win came in 1996 with Indian Spark, and his most recent attempt was in 2024, where 20-1 shot Bob The Bandit finished second[1].
Trained in Sigwells, near Wincanton, on the Somerset-Dorset boundary, Turner began his career in racing as a jockey. However, a fall at Newton Abbot led him to switch to training, a decision that proved to be fruitful[1].
Known for his unconventional approach to training, Turner made headlines in 2009 by riding a zebra named Zebedee to his local pub[1]. It was just two and a half weeks after purchasing Zebedee from a wildlife park in Holland. Despite initially thinking he had bitten off more than he could chew, Turner's zebra ride was a testament to his adventurous spirit[1].
However, on August 14, 2025, Turner's life took a tragic turn when he sustained a fracture to his skull in a fall at home, involving a horse. He was rushed to the hospital and has been on a ventilator overnight[1]. His current condition is described as very serious.
Despite this, Turner's passion for the sport lives on. His daughter, Kathy, confirmed that Red Snapper, one of his horses, has been declared to run for the yard at Chepstow on Thursday, in honor of Turner's legacy[1][3]. The family believes that Turner would have wanted Red Snapper to run in this race.
As the racing community mourns the loss of a legend, Bill Turner's spirit continues to inspire, both on and off the track.
[1] BBC News, "Bill Turner: Trainer who rode zebra to pub dies", 2025. [2] Racing Post, "Bill Turner, the man who rode a zebra to the pub, dies aged 87", 2025. [3] The Guardian, "Bill Turner: Trainer who rode zebra to pub dies", 2025.
In the realm of sports, the latest general news revolves around the unfortunate accident involving veteran horse trainer Bill Turner, who sustained a fractured skull in a horse-related incident at home. Meanwhile, in the world of sports betting, Red Snapper, one of Turner's horses, is set to run at Chepstow on Thursday, honoring Turner's legacy amidst the news of his serious condition.
