Former trainer William Stirling Jr. dies

by | 06.13.2012 | 12:31pm
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William Stirling Jr., a retired Thoroughbred trainer, died on Tuesday in Ontario at the age of 94. Founder of Stirling Lumber company, William Stirling was a show rider after serving in World War II. He sold Stirling Lumber Company and began training racehorses in the 1970s. Stirling was the trainer of multiple stakes winner What a Threat.

Stirling is survived by his son Kent Stirling, who is the executive director of Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Agency. His daughter, Jill Thomas, manages Chime Bell Farm in Aiken, South Carolina.

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  • Admirer

    I want to pay my respect to the most talented horse trainer I have known. Here was a man that could truly ride a Thoroughbred race horse without reins. He could teach a horse to turn or move by leg pressure only and knowing that, he learned what each individual horse needed when it came to training. And he taught others to be more attuned to the horse to really “know” how to ride that horse. And when he wasn’t in the barn or on a horse, he was the consummate gentleman and host. An almost forgotten art, he was in a word debonaire. Heartfelt thoughts to his family. Truly a loss.

  • beuhla the witch

    I knew Bill Stirling well. He was a charming man,a gifted rider and a good all around horseman.He was as at home on the backside as he was at the “Turf Club”.There were not many like him.At Calder he was that trainer that couldn’t afford socks! I will miss him.

  • Jrperrotta

    When I was starting a career as a jockey agent in the early 70′s, we rode for Mr. Stirling in Florida and I’ve always thought of him as one of the classiest acts in the game.  He treated everyone he met with the same gentle demeanor and cordial manner.    Bill Stirling, a real gentleman.

  • BuckyinKentucky

    R.I.P. Mr. Stirling!

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