“Mrs. A.”, as she was known to those blessed by her friendship or patronage, embraced the extraordinary opportunities to which she was born with so commensurate an appetite that one might ask how anyone could have compressed so much into a mere 95 years. Besides her careers as horsewoman and breeder, she threw herself with equal gusto into walks of life as diverse as boxing, skiing, dancing and Broadway.

Nor did Mrs. A. measure her benedictions only in material terms, having so prolonged the fulfilment she found in Pin Oak that the stable was only dispersed a matter of weeks before her loss. That said, the fact is that she was never going to require a GoFundMe page to sustain her final days, as was poignantly the case for the 81-year-old trainer of Seattle Slew.

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Affectionate tributes to the skill and charm of Billy Turner did not tiptoe around the corrosion of his prime by a struggle with alcoholism. But he would be very comfortable with that, given his own, hugely commendable candor in reflecting, in later years, on the demons that had accompanied him to one of the summits of Turf history. Turner was only 37 when a $17,500 Bold Reasoning colt came his way, and it's right that people understand why he appeared to receive such scant reward.

Before the Derby, many considered Seattle Slew insufficiently seasoned after just three sophomore starts. The habits of trainers today, however regrettable, make Turner appear to have been ahead of his time. But his true legacy was securing the male line of Bold Ruler, with all its old school virtues.

Like so many of our finest horsemen, Turner learned the ropes in steeplechasing. But in trying to keep his weight down, even as his height soared (by six inches in his 19^th year alone), he yielded to temptations natural in a fraternity that rode so hard—and drank so much harder. Then, in soaking up the pressures of a Triple Crown campaign, he found the press equally willing to normalize excess at the bar. (Which charge I, for one, am certainly not going to refute). Those pressures, by the way, can be judged from Turner's pronouncement to a reporter while Slew was still a juvenile. “If he doesn't win the Triple Crown,” he said, “I haven't done my job.”

Turner and exercise rider Mike Kennedy on the way to the track with Seattle Slew in 1977

Doubtless the succor he found in drink contributed to Turner's notorious sacking by the owners of Seattle Slew; certainly it dragged him into desperate times thereafter. Much to his credit, however, he regrouped. If the home stretch brought fresh difficulties, in healthcare and its costs, it's edifying to know that Turner had overcome a still greater challenge, in his own life, than the one he met with Seattle Slew. By any measure, this was a man of accomplishment.

True, while renewing his personal stability, he could not fully reverse the professional odds that had steepened in the meantime. Even so, a Hall of Fame nomination should surely have been revived for Turner by the time he retired in 2016. Fully two decades after the glory days of Slew and Czaravich (Nijinsky), after all, he had supervised a 21-for-55 near-millionaire in Punch Line (Two Punch) plus a third Grade I winner in Gaviola.

The latter was by Cozzene, who also happened to sire the horse that first brought Mrs. A. to the attention of many of us Englishmen.

As in selecting her long-serving farm manager, Clifford Barry, Mrs. A. showed unerring judgement in entrusting Hasten To Add to Newmarket's peerless Victorian throwback, Sir Mark Prescott.

In 1993, Hasten To Add became subject of one of the great gambles in the long history of the Cesarewitch H.

“How far is this race?” asked Mrs. A., when Prescott introduced her to the project.

“Two and a quarter miles.”

“Gee, and how often do they pass the stands?”

“They don't,” Prescott replied. “It's a dogleg course, starting in Cambridgeshire and ending in Suffolk. And it's a handicap. The topweight concedes 28 lbs to some of the others.”

Prescott recalls a moment of silent incredulity at the other end of the phone.

“Really? And how many runners are there?”

“Thirty-six.”

“This I gotta see.”

On the day, when the cavalry emerged from the drizzle and mist, Hasten To Add was just in front. While apparently engaged in a desperate duel to the line, however, he was overhauled by two others on the other side of the track. But Mrs. A. avowed that for all the world she would not have missed an experience she condensed as “all those Dukes ['Dooks'] and Duchesses, standing in the rain looking at nothing…”

Mrs. A.'s immersion in the world of boxing confirmed her to be equal to any social milieu. On the Turf, of course, we take pride in the fact that nowhere else does High Life meet quite so comfortably with Low Life. To the young man I was then, that lent an exotic glamor to this Houston heiress, with her five husbands—and five divorces! But I'm not sure I quite understood, at the time, that Low Life fundamentally comprises a ruinous succession of low days; or that it can do, at least, with the kind of problems that had meanwhile withdrawn Billy Turner from the limelight filled so joyously by Mrs. A.

There's always been a seductive glamor to the Runyonesque margins of our sport, and I've seen good people succumb to it: smart, talented people deceived that flirting with addiction, whether to alcohol or betting or umpteen other temptations, would redeem them from the dread charge of dullness.

People who think this way are also tempted to suspect that the greatness of Seattle Slew, for instance, could only be drawn out by parallel flair. Either a double-edged sword, they say, or none at all.

Well, that's a pretty dangerous formula for living. Doug Peterson was just 26 when the owners transferred Seattle Slew to his barn from Turner. Though he secured the champ his Eclipse Award, as an older horse, Peterson would disappear from the racetrack barely a couple of years later, lost in a spiral of drugs and drink. Like Turner, he showed the resilience and character to embrace rehab; he edged his way back to the track, after stints as an entry clerk and in the gate crew, and in 1999 he saddled 40 winners from just 175 starters. But he was only 53 when he died, from an accidental overdose, in 2004.

All these different lives, rotating with the twists of fate like a kaleidoscope against the shining light of the racehorse. All these different legacies, too. From intimate, domestic ones we cannot know; to the kind of public benefaction that prompted Mrs. A. to found her school in Lexington. But if so many of our comforts prove shallow, or even downright perilous, then how wonderful that we can all share the immortality available through the medium of a Seattle Slew or Sky Classic.

With his famously eccentric libido, Seattle Slew's genetic bequest was a fragile one. Its rescue is one of many debts, by no means confined to such lessons in horsemanship, our community owes to John Williams. Lest we forget, we are blessed to have in our midst the most exemplary people. And little wonder, when they share devotion to the horse: this paragon of constancy, courage and beauty, so innocent of our avarice and addictions.

We may envy the worldly fortune of Mrs. A., and the wealth of experience it supported; but her loyalty is within the compass of the poorest among us. She brought Barry to the farm in 1984. Donnie Von Hemel trained for Pin Oak for 30 years, Graham Motion nearly as long, with Mike Stidham a novice at around 15 years. Before the dispersal, Barry told TDN: “She's about as competitive a person as you could come across, but there'd never be a finger pointed. It was always just, 'We got outrun today and we'll do better tomorrow.'”

That's a motto that would serve us all well—whether seeking the next Seattle Slew, or patching up some old claimer; whether drilling oilwells, or just seeking an oasis in a world full of dangerous mirages.

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Turner was born February 29, 1940, in Rochester New York, and grew up riding and fox hunting in Pennsylvania's horse country. He began his career as a steeplechase jockey as a teenager under trainer Burley Cocks. He rode for five years, until 1963, when his 6'2″ height made it difficult to continue. He worked as an assistant trainer until 1966.

At the age of 26, he went out on his own and was based for most of his career at Belmont Park. Given Seattle Slew as a two-year-old in 1976, he trained the colt to an Eclipse Award in an unbeaten, three-for-three season that culminated with a win in the Grade I Champagne. He went on to become the first undefeated Triple Crown  winner, and would go on to become the Horse of the Year in 1977. The colt was taken away from him after tasting his first defeat in the GI Swaps S. at Hollywood, and handed over to trainer Doug Peterson.

Turner won 533 races in his career, and in addition to Seattle Slew, trained other major stakes winners such as Czaravich, the winner of the Carter H., Withers S., Jerome H. and the GI Metropolitan H.; Play On, who won the Withers S., and was second in the GI Preakness; and Punch Line, who won 21 races in his seven-year career, including the Fall Highweight H. at Aqueduct.

A resident of Marion County, Florida since his retirement from training in 2016, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer almost two years ago, which had metastasized. He was admitted to the hospital Friday, Dec. 17, after suffering significant shortness of breath. He had chosen not to receive further treatment for his cancer. He was transferred to hospice care on Tuesday. His wife Pat was next to him when he passed, according to Nygaard.

The press release reads: “Just a few days ago, a GoFundMe effort was launched to assist Billy with medical and other expenses, and to give the chance to those who knew him to express words of support and their memories of this consummate gentleman and horseman. The outpouring of love and financial support was immense, and Billy's wife Pat spent a big part of his last two days reading Billy from the 18 pages of messages sent from around the nation.”

“Billy Turner passed away this afternoon peacefully at home,” said Pat Turner. “I want to take a moment to thank every person who contributed to his physical care and lifting him up in your thoughts and prayers. I was able to read him all the messages sharing your kindness and admiration of him. It meant a great deal to me to be able to let him know how loved he was in his last moments.”

A memorial and celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

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Billy Turner was based at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., for much of his career, where he preferred to keep a small stable of around 30 horses so that he was able to know and train them each as the individual he believed was best for their development. He was best known for his masterful horsemanship and training of the 1977 Triple Crown winner, Seattle Slew.

Unbeaten in three starts as a 2-year-old, topped off by a victory in the Grade 1 Champagne, the son of Bold Reasoning began his 3-year-old campaign with an allowance victory at Hialeah Park,  then won the G1 Flamingo at Hialeah and the G1 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct. Sent away the 1-2 favorite in the G1 Kentucky Derby, Seattle Slew won by 1 3/4 lengths under regular rider Jean Cruguet, then  added victories in the G1 Preakness and G1 Belmont before tasting defeat for the first time in the G1 Swaps Stakes at Hollywood Park, a race in which the horse's owners overruled Turner, who was opposed to running. He was then turned over to Douglas Peterson for the remainder of his career.

Three years after Seattle Slew's Triple Crown season, Turner trained Czaravich to several major victories, including the G1 Metropolitan Mile Handicap. His other graded stakes winners included, Gaviola, Punch Line, Kilauea, Play On, Pok Ta Pok, Popol's Gold, Night Fox, Dust Bucket, Eze, Finery and Dry Martini.

A resident of Marion County, Fla., since his retirement from training in 2016, Turner was diagnosed with prostate cancer almost two years ago, a disease that also spread to and weakened his bones. He was admitted to the hospital on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, after suffering significant shortness of breath, after which there was considerable fluid drained from his lungs. Unfortunately, testing of the fluid revealed that his cancer had spread to his lungs. Turner had chosen not to receive further treatment for the cancer. and he was transferred to hospice care on Tuesday, Dec. 28.

After the cancer was discovered in his lungs, his condition deteriorated quickly but it was thought he still had some months to live. On Thursday, the hospice nurse felt this prognosis changed to days. Friday morning, the prognosis changed to mere hours. His wife, Pat, was next to him when he took his last breath in peace.

Just a few days ago, a GoFundMe effort was launched to assist Billy with medical and other expenses, and to give the chance to those who knew him to express words of support and their memories of this consummate gentleman and horseman. The outpouring of love and financial support was immense, and Pat Turner spent a big part of his last two days reading Billy the many pages of messages sent from around the nation.

After his passing, Pat issued a statement to thank everyone who sent messages and financial support: “Billy Turner passed away this afternoon peacefully at home. I want to take a moment to thank every person who contributed to his physical care and lifting him up in your thoughts and prayers. I was able to read him all the messages sharing your kindness and admiration of him. It meant a great deal to me to be able to let him know how loved he was in his last moments.”

The world of horse racing, as well as other equestrian disciplines with Seattle Slew in their bloodlines, owes much to Billy Turner's masterful guidance of Seattle Slew and his legacy. It meant much to Billy to receive the financial support of his and Seattle's Slew's fans. The numerous prayers and words of support meant that Billy, in his last days, got to experience a blanket of love and reminders of how much he meant to the world of racing, how much inspiration Seattle Slew provided to fans and those who started their careers because of this incredible colt and his trainer, and how many appreciated Billy's horsemanship, humor and class.

A memorial and celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

The post William H. ‘Billy’ Turner Jr. Passes; Trainer Of 1977 Triple Crown Winner Seattle Slew Was 81 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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According to a GoFundMe page created by horse owner and breeder Pavla Nygaard, Turner, 81, was diagnosed with prostate cancer about two years ago, which spread to and weakened his bones. According to the GoFundMe page, Turner was admitted to the hospital Dec. 17 with shortness of breath and fluid aspirated from his lungs indicated that the cancer had spread there. According to the page, Turner has elected not to receive further treatment.

Upon conclusion of his training career following the 2008 recession, the GoFundMe page explains that Turner and his wife Pat moved into a townhouse on the property of the Ocala Jockey Club, owned by Nygaard and her husband Erik. The couple sold the farm this past August, and negotiated a continuing lifetime rental agreement on behalf of the Turners, but the new owners of the farm served the Turners notice and forced them out of their accommodations. The Nygaards were successful in securing a new home off the farm for the Turners, but the former trainer's health subsequently took a turn for the worse.

The Nygaards have pledged to match up to $10,000 in donations.

“The world of racing owes much to Billy Turner's masterful guidance of Seattle Slew and his legacy,” wrote Pavla Nygaard on the page. “It will mean much to Billy to have the financial support of his and Seattle's Slew's fans, as well as prayers and words of encouragement.”

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A GoFundMe has been set up to help him with medical and other expenses at https://gofund.me/32279f47.

Billy Turner is the 81-year old former racehorse trainer, best known for his horsemanship and training of the 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew. A resident of Marion County, Fla. since his retirement from training, he was diagnosed almost two years ago with prostate cancer which had spread to and weakened his bones. Until recently, Billy was a resident at the Ocala Jockey Club farm townhome village. He made guest appearances at the Ocala Jockey Club International 3-day Event, and there was even a special $750 award created to honor a top-placing Thoroughbred with Seattle Slew heritage.

He was admitted to the hospital on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021 after suffering significant shortness of breath, and fluid was drained from his lungs. Unfortunately, testing of the fluid revealed that his cancer had spread to his lungs. He has chosen not to receive further treatment for his cancer. On Monday, Dec. 27, he was transferred home for hospice care.

He is in good spirits and looking forward to being back with his wife Pat and in the comfort of a home environment.

Billy and Pat are facing increased healthcare costs, moving costs, and unforeseen costs related to his upcoming hospice care and beyond. Billy's latest hospital stay and hospice care is likely to add further unexpected medical and living costs. Pavla and Erik Nygaard, the former owners of the Ocala Jockey Club farm where the Turners lived until the recent sale of the farm, will match up to $10,000 of funds raised through this GoFundMe effort.

The world of horse racing, as well as other equestrian disciplines with Seattle Slew in their bloodlines, owes much to Billy Turner's masterful guidance of Seattle Slew and his legacy. It will mean much to Billy to have the financial support of his and Seattle's Slew's fans, as well as prayers and words of encouragement.

Seattle Slew after a bath at Spendthrift Farm in 1981

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Peterson, 24, led the Mets to an 8-3 win over the lowly Boston Red Sox.

“This is one of the greatest days of my life,” Peterson said. “This is something I’ve wanted to do since I was a little kid, and to go out there and make my first major league start, we got the win and I couldn’t have asked for much more.”

Doug Peterson, just 26 at the time, was a little known trainer when Seattle Slew’s owners called on him to take over for the fired Billy Turner. Peterson guided Slew to wins in the GI Marlboro Cup, the GI Woodward and the GIII Stuyvesant H. He was named champion older male of 1978.

Peterson’s story ended in tragedy in 2004 when he died of an accidental drug overdose. David, his only child, was nine at the time. David subsequently moved to Colorado, where he was raised by his grandmother.

Peterson, who is 6′ foot 6″, two inches taller than his father, was taken in the first round of the draft by the Mets in 2017. He was a standout pitcher at the University of Oregon.

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Once hospitalized, Turner discovered he also had prostate cancer which had spread to his bones. The hit to his head also caused a brain injury. After surgery to repair his neck and nearly two months in the hospital, Turner was finally released to head home. Doctors are focusing on the neck and brain injuries before they are able to treat the cancer.

A friend and neighbor, Rick Wallace, has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help Turner cover his ongoing medical expenses.

Read more at the Thoroughbred Daily News.

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Somehow, Turner has managed to stay upbeat.

“My spirits are very good because I have some very good friends in this part of the country,” he said. “It’s the people around you that make the difference and I am lucky enough to have some good people around me.”

But those same people are struggling to figure out how they can help Turner through the ordeal, particularly when it comes to his medical bills. Turner will need extensive medical help going forward, but doesn’t have the money to pay for it. To help with the medical expenses, a friend and neighbor, Rick Wallace, has started a GoFund Me campaign for Turner, with a goal of raising $25,000.

“He needs a lot of help from everybody to try to get him back on track,” said Wallace, a well-known equestrian.

To keep busy, Turner would do odds jobs around the Ocala Jockey Club property and was mowing one day in late April when he ran over a branch. Turner said that it flew up and struck him in the area of his neck. His wife, Patti, believes the cancer weakened his bones and made them susceptible to breaking when Turner had the accident.

After successful surgery to repair his neck, Turner was released from the hospital last week, but the work to get him back on his feet is far from over. Now 80, he still needs extensive rehab and in-home care, which could go on for as long as six months.

“He’s doing remarkably well and his mental state is surprisingly good,” said Patti Turner. “His injury was way more serious than just a broken neck. He was in rehab for four, five weeks learning to walk. He had a serious injury to his brain. His brain wasn’t communicating with his body for balance and he even lost his ability to swallow. He has recovered from that. He can talk and eat. We started the GoFundMe campaign because he needs serious professional nursing care in the home to get over this hump. If he can get several months of really good care we think he can move forward.”

His needs are extensive, Patti Turner said. Her husband needs physical therapy. He still cannot stand up or walk, remnants of the brain injury he suffered, so he needs nursing care to get through even simple tasks and he needs a wheelchair. Patti Turner can only do so much.

Normally, medicare would cover medical expenses for someone of Turner’s age, but his wife said he was scammed by a telemarketer who signed him up for a new insurance policy that negated his medicare. She said representatives of the new insurance company have said they won’t pay for the doctors Turner is working with because they are “out of network.”

“It replaced medicare and they don’t want to pay for anything,” she said. “It is a despicable organization. I need an advocate who can navigate this whole insurance thing.”

Turner is doing much better from a cognitive standpoint. Ask him about Seattle Slew and he can talk all day. He said he still follows racing on the big days and will be watching the GI Belmont S. Saturday, 43 years after he won it with Seattle Slew.

For now, the plan of attack is to work on his neck and brain injuries. Turner’s doctors hope that those issues can improve to the point where they can focus in on the cancer. Wallace said the expectations are that Turner can live for at least two more years with the cancer.

“But they have to get him back up, walking and active again before they can work on the cancer,” he said. “If they can do that, they think he will have two good years.”

For his part, Turner is focused on the day to day. He could have two years left, he could have more. He will try to enjoy each one in the comfort of his friends and family, ready to get better and appreciative of what he has.

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