Former Derby-winning jockey Adam Kirby has already tasted success in his foray into training, and he’s seeking further glory in the opening contest the 2026 flat season. Kirby has had just four runners thus far, with Tuscan Point getting him off to the perfect start. He has three runners this evening, but his sole runner on Saturday will no doubt be encompassing his thoughts.
His Coulsty colt Bill The Bull was declared for the Brocklesby this morning. The race is in name of the late Bill Turner, who won the contest six times between 1996-2013. Speaking to Thoroughbred Daily News Europe, Kirby said: “I rang Kathy and asked if I could call him Bill. I wanted to call him Wild Bill but that was already taken. She’d said she’d support it, which I thought was nice. To top it all off they have changed the name of the race, which I think is fantastic for Bill. He was a lovely guy and deserves it. I didn’t ride that often for him but he was one of them people you always looked forward to seeing.”
Though an outsider, Kirby is no stranger to defying the odds after picking up the spare ride on Adayar to win the 2021 Derby.
“I think I’ve done enough without cooking him” – Adam Kirby
Kirby continued, stating the Brocklesby is “a race I have always wanted to win. It’ll be a hard race to win. There’s obviously a lot of proper entries in there, but we won’t run scared. We’ll take our chance. I think I’ve done enough with him without cooking him — he will improve.”
Kirby, who’s largely focused on pre-training, further discussed the difference in emotions regarding his venture into training on the flat: “I have some great support. But no-one’s prepared you for what comes next after you’ve been racing every day and you’ve had that adrenaline. No jockey is prepared to never get that adrenaline buzz again. I did think about jumping out of a few planes, but I’m not brave enough for that, so I need to get a different kind of heartbeat.”
Regarding the pressure of buying yearlings, Kirby noted: “It was hard for me because I had to buy them with my own money. So, when it’s your own money, you have to be sure that you like them.”
Bill The Bull was a 17,000GNS purchase last October, described as a “great little fella. It’s exciting, that’s why I’m looking forward to Saturday” added Kirby. Because it’ll be nice to see him have his first run, and I’m not going to say he’s going to win. But if he turns up and runs well I’ll be very pleased with him.”