Bill Turner, a well-known racehorse trainer from the West Country who once famously broke in a zebra and even rode it to a local pub, is currently hospitalized on a ventilator, fighting for his life after a serious fall from a horse that resulted in a shattered skull. Turner, aged 78 and based near Wincanton, is recognized in racing circles for training promising young horses, including a precocious two-year-old who won the Blocksby Stakes at Doncaster in March.
Turner is known for training both long-distance runners and speedy two-year-olds, embodying the traditional style of an old-school jockey and trainer. His national fame partly came from his unique venture in 2009, when he bought a young zebra named Zeby for £4,500 from a Dutch wildlife park, aiming to see if zebras could be trained like horses. Unlike horses, zebras have wild instincts and see movement as a threat, making them notoriously difficult and unpredictable to train.
Remarkably, Turner soon managed to ride Zeby around a local pub near Shelborn, attracting attention much like a historic carriage framed by the zebra’s striking appearance. Turner shared with Racing Post that despite zebras being difficult to tame due to their panicky nature, he approached Zeby as he would a horse. When he first brought Zeby to the pub, some patrons even questioned if their drinks were particularly strong due to the unusual sight.
Though Turner has only had one flat race winner this season, his career spans nearly fifty years, a remarkable achievement in itself. His horse, Red Snapper, is set to run at Chepstow on Thursday, and his family is eagerly anticipating the race, as it represents the trainer’s enduring passion for the sport.
Fan Take: Bill Turner’s story is a powerful reminder of the deep dedication and passion behind horse racing, showcasing the unique and sometimes eccentric characters that enrich the sport. His resilience and innovative spirit, especially with his zebra experiment, highlight the blend of tradition and boldness that keeps racing captivating for fans and participants alike.
