Joe
Turi has very sadly lost his battle for life in a Hungarian hospital
earlier today, following a motorbike crash over the Easter weekend.
Joe,
born in Hungary in 1956 joined a troupe of Hungarian Czikos trick
riders at the age of 16. Despite his father wanting him to become
an electrician, Joe served an apprenticeship at a Hungarian State
Stud Farm. He first came to England in 1973 with the Czikos riders
and duly decided not to return. He was later granted political
asylum and he began working in a riding school before moving on
to work in a dealing yard and later in a National Hunt yard. But
it was whilst working for the shavings company, General Chip that
he first met Michael Bullman. Michael duly bought him some show
jumping horses to ride in 1975 and this sparked not only Joe's
illustrious career in international show jumping but also a very
special partnership between him and Michael.
During
his career Joe made 34 British Nations Cup appearances between
1986 and 1995 with his string of top quality horses such as Kruger,
Waysider and the world renowned, Vital with whom he amassed over
£150,000 winnings. Joe partnered Vital to many wins including
a Team Gold Medal at the 1989 European Championships in Rotterdam
and what Joe described as his favourite win, the Hickstead Derby
in 1990. The combination also represented Great Britain in the
1988 Seoul Olympic Games where the team finished in 6th place.
Joe
returned to Hungary in the late 1990's but his partnership with
Michael Bullman continued and Joe competed for his homeland Hungary
on Michael's horses for many years.
The
British Show Jumping Association extends its condolences to Joe's
family at this very sad time and will publish details of funeral/memorial
services as soon as they are available.
Jacky
Wood, BSJA Chief Executive said," Joe was always full of
vitality with a huge appetite for life. He made an enormous contribution
to British show jumping success and will be sadly missed by all
his friends in the UK."
www.bsja.co.uk
