Deane Lester's death at 54 rocks Australian horse racing community
The racing world has been left heartbroken by the death of Deane Lester, beloved broadcaster and tipster.
The Australian horse racing community has been left shocked after the death of beloved industry figure Deane Lester, following a truncated battle with cancer. Aged 54, Lester was a highly regarded student of racing form, with industry figures coming together to raise just over $290,000 to help with medical costs in a dedicated meet at Flemington in January.
Radio station RSN broke the news of Lester's death, which came on Thursday night with family by his side at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital. Describing him as a 'much loved friend and colleague', RSN put out a statement to announce his death on behalf of his family.
WOW: Tiger Woods' 'extraordinary' moment stuns fans in return to PGA Tour
BOLD: Pat Cummins makes call on David Warner for second Test against India
“It is with great sadness we inform you of the passing of our much-loved friend and colleague Deane Lester,” the statement read. “On behalf of the RSN Racing and Sport board and staff, we extend our deepest condolences to Deane’s mother Sandra and his partner Leanne.
“As you may be aware, ‘Deano’ has experienced health issues throughout his entire life. He was born with Spina Bifida and from 2002 was aided by a mobility scooter.
RIP Deane Lester 💔 pic.twitter.com/ij0cE4UPAk
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) February 16, 2023
“Despite this, Deane never complained, moving forward with courage and dignity. There was work to be done, winners to be found. Just last month, Deane received the devastating news that he would be facing the biggest battle of his life, a rare form of cancer.
“Sadly, this was a mountain too big to climb and after a short, but very brave fight, Deane passed away peacefully at the Alfred Hospital on Thursday at 54.”
Lester's impact on the racing industry was outsized for someone who preferred to remain out of the spotlight. A tidal wave of tributes to the racing identity emerged on social media soon after his passing was made public.
RIP Deane Lester 💔
Cracking fella who’ll be sorely missed. A pioneer who raised the bar in the racing industry for work ethic and professionalism. A friend to all.— David King (@davidking34) February 16, 2023
Deane Lester had the same courage and tenacity of a champion racehorse who kept fighting against all odds with an inspiring optimism when he was entitled to believe otherwise.
I’ve lost a dear irreplaceable friend, trusted confidante and sounding board.
As have countless others. pic.twitter.com/5Kl2oNEdvB— Adam White (@White_Adam) February 16, 2023
Sad news indeed. Deane Lester was a regular on #abcnewsradio and @abcsport for many years during my time there & was always generous with his time & thoughtful with his words. Phenomenally accurate at Moonee Valley I found. #RIPDeane pic.twitter.com/DJsSXajzBL
— Chris Glassock (@glassockclassic) February 16, 2023
Vale Deane Lester. Deane lived life to the fullest, chased his dreams & had the respect of his community. Copying his Cranbourne trackwork column for the Truth 30 years ago, Deane provided me with astute guidance & opened many doors for me. He will be missed! Thank you Deane
— josh rodder (@gurujosh23) February 16, 2023
Rest In Peace Deane Lester. He was everything anybody in racing media aspires to be. Knowledgeable, passionate, universally respected and extremely humble for a man of his talents. Racing has lost an icon. Condolences to his family and friends 😔
— Brad Gray (@BradJGray) February 16, 2023
Very sad to hear the passing of Deane Lester overnight. Loved listening to him & his passion for racing like so many punters. Thoughts are with his family, friends & colleagues.
— Matt Clinch (@matt_clinch) February 16, 2023
So good to hear the tributes and overwhelming response to the passing of Deane Lester, the word “respected” shines.. I think we would all agree after you spoke to Deano you left smarter and better for the experience. A master at his trade, a gentleman, a National treasure. 🙏
— Dean Pettit (@deanpet74) February 16, 2023
Never met Deane Lester but it almost feels like mourning the loss of a mate today. I haven’t learnt more about racing from anyone else. From the money raised and millions of tributes he was clearly a great bloke. Will miss tuning in on a Friday. RIP @defier1
— Dean Kelly (@DeanKel) February 16, 2023
This is terribly sad news 😢Deane Lester is an icon of the 🏇racing industry. He has made an immeasurable contribution to the sport & its participants, big & small, over 20+ years. I would love to see RVL honour him well into the future via a stakes race or media scholarship? https://t.co/BuR5cKF4wV
— Daniel O'Sullivan (@TRBHorseRacing) February 16, 2023
Racing industry devastated by loss of Deane Lester
Experienced trainer Robbie Griffiths was particularly close to Lester, with the pair enjoying a memorable Group 1 winner together in 2016. The pair guided sprinter The Quarterback to victory in that year's Newmarket Handicap, beating out the likes of Black Heart Bart and Chautauqua.
Griffiths said during a recent tribute to Lester on Channel 7 that he was the kind of person who could have turned his hand to anything. However for Lester, it was racing that was his clear passion.
“He could have been good at anything, that’s his nature, anything he can turn his hand to he’s good at,” Griffiths said. “As a young man he could have been a pro-golfer, he was an A-Grade pennant squash player but his passion was racing.
“Deane and I have always had many horses together, winning with The Quarterback in The Newmarket was something special to share. He’s always got time for everyone, he’s the most selfless person that you can come across, he gives and gives and gives.”
Chairman of RSN, John Stewart, said Lester's contribution to the racing industry would not soon be forgotten. Lester was a figurehead at RSN, well known for his uncanny ability to tip a winner,
“For several decades, Deane Lester has been a part of people’s lives, helping them back a winner. For many listeners, Deane was the only voice they relied on and have trusted his opinions," he said.
"Deane was more than a tipster and form analyst. His knowledge of racing unrivalled but also his knowledge of all other sports and music for example was extraordinary. Deane was engaging and entertaining, a great person who will be sadly missed but never forgotten."
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.
