Cheltenham will honour the late Lorna Brooke on Friday's seven-race Hunter Chase Racing card. The penultimate race on the card, the Lorna Brooke Open Hunters' Chase goes off at 7.45p.m. Brooke, 37, passed away Apr. 19 as the result of a spinal injury sustained during a fall at Taunton Racecourse Apr. 18.
“Lorna was a dear friend and rode for me on many occasions,” said Shropshire-based Philip Rowley. “I will always be thankful to her for providing me with my first winner under Rules, which was The General Lee in the Chase Meredith Memorial Trophy at Ludlow (in March 2011).
“It is just all so, so sad. I would like to thank Cheltenham Racecourse for naming tomorrow's race in Lorna's honour–it's a very touching tribute.”
Ian Renton, regional managing director of The Jockey Club, added, “[Friday]'s Race Night is the one fixture of the year at Cheltenham purely for amateur riders and it only seemed right to honour Lorna in this way.”
“It is sure to be a very emotional occasion as Lorna was such a popular figure and everyone at the racecourse will be united in her memory.”
A celebration of Brooke's life will be held Monday, May 24 at Ludlow Racecourse. For those wishing to attend, contact Ludlow Racecourse at [email protected].
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