Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Tributes paid to trainer of Grand National winner
TRIBUTES have been paid to Andy Turnell, the former jockey and Grand National-winning trainer who has died at the age of 73.
Turnell, who handed in his licence in 2015 following a stroke, was based at Broad Hinton near Swindon towards the end of his career after spells in East Hendred, Brackenbrough, near Thirsk and latterly Malton before returning down south.
During his career in the saddle Turnell was best remembered for his association with Birds Nest, who many regard as the best hurdler never to win the Champion Hurdle.
He won the Fighting Fifth and Bula Hurdles three times and was placed in the Champion Hurdle twice but he had the misfortune to be around at the golden age of hurdlers, coming up against Sea Pigeon, Monksfield and Night Nurse.
Turnell rode almost 500 winners and was considered to be among the most stylish jockeys of his era, riding with his stirrups much shorter than most and sitting tall in the saddle.
One particular example which showed off his horsemanship was finishing third in the Grand National in 1974 on Charles Dickens to Red Rum and L’Escargot, despite his saddle slipping.
Turnell rode mainly for his father, Bob, and his first winner over jumps came on Jim Joel’s Mayfair Bill.
Joel would later be linked to Turnell’s most famous day as a trainer as the owner of 1987 Grand National winner Maori Venture.
Turnell’s career was at its peak in the 1990s, with classy two-mile chaser Katabatic, Hennessy Gold Cup winner Cogent, staying chaser Country Member and Squire Silk, who won a Tote Gold Trophy and a Grade One over fences adding to his haul.
Luke Harvey, who rode for Turnell, said he admired him like no other.
“I was absolutely devastated to hear the news,” he said.
“Not only was he a loyal trainer to me, but a really good friend as well.
“I don’t think I have admired anyone more as a horseman. He trained on instinct. He didn’t do things in a conventional way, but his results speak for themselves, winning Grand Nationals, Champion Chases and numerous races at the Cheltenham Festival.”
Harvey added: “I used to go out socialising with him. The ironic thing was, although he had a stroke in later life and had various things wrong, he was the healthiest, cleanest, tidiest man.
“He always rode out in a shirt and tie and cavalry breeches and shiny boots. It was military precision.”