THE DAVID LEVER MEMORIAL RACE

I am dedicating this race to the memory of my beloved late husband.

We were together for over thirty years and his love of horse racing began before we met, as did his love of North Yorkshire, and as my family originates from Northallerton, it was a match made in heaven.

David was stationed at Catterick Garrison in the early sixties, The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, so tonight’s meeting is very special and our memorial race chosen to be here on this date for that reason.

A further reason that Thirsk Racecourse is dear to my heart is that between 1997 and 1999 we were very privileged to have the use of Burtree Racing Stables and together with our talented trainer Mark Peill, enjoyed modest success with David’s racehorses.

The first of David’s winners was ‘Marbleman’ named after the marble importing and fireplace manufacturing business we ran together.

Marbleman won several races at Kelso, Carlisle, Sedgefield and Mussleburgh. Another of David’s horses ‘He’s Got Wings’ won at Southwell and Nottingham but the horse that meant the most to Davis was ‘David’s Way’ who won only once at Worcester coming from behind to achieve a magnificent victory.

Our days at Burtree were some of the happiest days of our lives.

Although David cannot be here tonight in person, we know his spirit will be standing beside me enjoying once again the thrill of watching beautiful thoroughbreds competing on one of the prettiest racecourses in the country.