Reddick, FL – Seattle Slew, the 1977 Triple Crown winner, holds a place of legends in horse racing and is one of the most well known racehorse names even outside of racing. Now
Billy Turner, Seattle Slew’s trainer through his undefeated Triple Crown run, is 81 years of age and facing advanced rapidly spreading cancer. He needs the help of the racing industry and Seattle Slew’s fans.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help him with medical and other expenses at
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, Florida, since his retirement from training, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer almost two years ago which had also 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, December 17th, 2021 after suffering significant shortness of breath. There was a lot fluid drained from his lungs. Unfortunately, testing of the fluid revealed that his cancer spread to his lungs. He has chosen not to receive further treatment for his cancer. On Monday, December 27th, he will be 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.
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Contact:
Pat Rich Turner, Tel: (352) 239-3268, Email: pattiricht@hotmail.com
Billy Turner, Tel: (516) 316-9489, Email: whtracing@hotmail.com
Pavla Nygaard, Tel: (858) 764-4275, Email: pnygaard@ocalajc.com
