Owners / breeders Pavla and Erik Nygaard set up a GoFundMe . page to help 81-year-old former coach Billy Turner, who ran the undefeated 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, manage the rising medical costs associated with rapidly spreading cancer. Nygaards has agreed to match up to $10,000 USD through this effort.
Turner has lived in Marion County, Fla., since retiring from racing in 2016. A resident of a townhouse at the Ocala Jockey Club, owned by the Nygaards before the recent sale, Turner will often regularly attend the Ocala Jockey Club International 3-day Event, and even have a special $750 prize created in honor of a Top Purebred with a Seattle Slew heritage.
Pavla Nygaard said on her GoFundMe page that she and her husband have known the Turners since 2006.
“Billy trained a handful of horses for us before retiring from training, including the first racehorse we ever bought, Play It True, who won her first race. from 12th at Belmont Park at 55-1, winning the much better bred fillings.Pat is also a great rider in her own right. Pros Inspector gymnast when he was 3 years old and one of the first female equestrians in the United States She is a Play It True gymnast and staunch supporter Billy’s strongest. It was Bill’s strength as a trainer to turn ordinary horses into above average horses and above average horses into excellent ones,” she wrote.
Nearly two years ago, Turner was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which is thought to have metastasized and weakened his bones. According to Pavla Nygaard, Turner was hospitalized on December 17 after having difficulty breathing. Tests showed the cancer had spread to his lungs.
“He chose not to continue treatment for his cancer,” Nygaard said. “On Monday, December 27, he will be moved home to care for the last of them.
The Turners are currently facing increased healthcare costs, travel costs, and unforeseen expenses related to Turner’s upcoming end-of-life care service and more. Turner’s latest hospital stay and hospice care have the potential to add unwanted medical and living costs.
“As an excellent but introverted trainer who was comfortable with horses but not always with everyone or quite ready for the fame that followed him all the way to the Triple Crown, Billy fought with a few demonic alcoholics many times in his life, but still succeed Nygaard writes. “Billy was an exceptional horseman who touched the lives of many others in the Purebred profession.
Nygaard continued: “The world of equestrianism, like other equestrian disciplines, has Seattle Slew in its blood, thanks in large part to Billy Turner’s masterful guidance on Seattle Slew and his legacy. “It will mean a lot to Billy to receive the financial support from his fans and Seattle’s Slew, as well as prayers and encouragement.”
