The horse racing community is mourning the loss of Bill Turner, a legendary trainer who passed away at the age of 78 after a tragic accident. Turner, based in Sigwells, Somerset, suffered a skull fracture in a fall on Monday and was hospitalized but later succumbed to his injuries.

Turner's career was marked by his remarkable success in the Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster, where he won the traditional first race of the Flat turf season six times. His daughter, Kathy Turner, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from the racing community.

Kathy was informed of her father's passing while en route to the Chepstow racecourse. She shared with Sky Sports Racing, "We got the call in the lorry. I'd made the decision to come here; the horse [Red Snapper] was to run in dad's name in his honor. Whatever had happened, he would have wanted that."

She added, "He wasn't just my dad and my sister's dad and Ryan's grandfather; he was everyone's dad. The people he has helped in their careers saw him as a dad. He would have preferred to have been going flat out up the gallops, but unfortunately, it was a freak accident."

Turner's legacy extends beyond his victories. He was a mentor and father figure to many in the industry. His daughter recalled, "Only last Sunday, he was re-felting my sister's salon roof." This highlights his dedication and willingness to help others, even outside of racing.

The racing world has lost a true icon, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered for generations to come.