Cranbourne set to host $500k race in honour of Deane Lester
Cranbourne Turf Club is set to pay tribute to popular racing identity Deane Lester with a $500,000 slot race proposed for November.
News Corp publications are reporting that the race will be called “The Lester” and have 12 slots available at $25,000 each, with some reserved for Cranbourne trainers and horses.
Additionally, a wildcard slot will be added to the mix, adding an exciting twist to the event, although details remain scant about this.
The first edition of The Lester is tentatively being set for Cranbourne Cup day on November 25, with it be a benchmark 100 race over 2000m.
News Corp says “It’s appropriate that in the inaugural running, the race is conducted for stayers, who were Deane’s great passion.”
Top racing bookmaker Ladbrokes has also committed to sponsoring the event, with Racing Victoria also onboard to honour the racing identity, who died aged 54 earlier this year.
Each slot holder in The Lester is expected to be paired with a community group within Casey, with the one linked to the lucky winner set to be awarded $10,000.