Famous two-year-old sprint at Doncaster to be named William Hill Bill Turner Brocklesby Stakes
Tuesday 24th March 2026 – Six-time Brocklesby Stakes-winning trainer Bill Turner, who died tragically at the age of 78 following an incident at his Somerset stables last year, will have his name added to this year’s running of the prestigious two-year-old contest at Doncaster.
In memory of Turner, William Hill and Doncaster Racecourse have agreed to rename the race the William Hill Bill Turner Brocklesby Stakes, which will take place on Saturday 28th March.
Turner became renowned for his record in the season-opening juvenile sprint on Town Moor, winning the race a record six times between 1996 and 2013.
As the William Hill Lincoln Meeting’s title sponsor, William Hill have naming rights over the entire seven-race card, including the Spring Mile, Cammidge Trophy, Brocklesby Stakes and the Lincoln itself.
Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “The Brocklesby was clearly close to Bill Turner’s heart and a race that he had unrivalled success in. He will be sorely missed at the William Hill Lincoln Meeting this year, so it’s an honour to be able to name the Brocklesby in his memory.”
Kathy Turner, who took over the licence from her father, Bill, said: “I got a call from Doncaster and I was terribly emotional. It's a fantastic tribute. But, not being big-headed, he totally deserved it. He didn't just win it six times, he was second and third in it many times. He targeted it every year.
"I have the choice of three to run in it. Martha Brown is an Aclaim filly, Summer Sadness is a Territories gelding we bought at Newmarket and Nevernotrememberu is a filly by first-season sire Caturra, who's tiny but quite speedy, although she might only just get the five furlongs.
"They're all going well, doing nice bits of work and have come out of the stalls. Dad would probably never have run two in it but I think that gives you more chance so I might run two, I'll see how the week goes. To win the race would be a dream come true – and we'll give it a good go."
Doncaster executive director, Rachel Harwood, said: “We are really pleased to be able to announce the renaming of the 2026 Brocklesby Stakes in honour of Bill Turner. We are, of course, very grateful to William Hill for the opportunity to remember the most successful trainer in the history of the race, which is one that many racing fans look forward to on Lincoln day. Equally, we are delighted that Bill’s family will be with us on the day.”
