Final Leicester meeting for Lees

Nick Lees today officiated at his last meeting as clerk of the course at Leicester after 32 years.

But Lees, who has to retire under Jockey Club rules when he is 65 next month, will remain at the Midlands track as managing director.

He will also continue to be clerk at Towcester until May 28.

“I’m going to enjoy just being a spectator on race days, but I’ll miss the atmosphere of the weighing room, with all the officials and jockeys,” he said.

“I shall still be part of the scene here and I am chairman at Stratford as well as a director of the Racecourse Association.”

Lees was appointed clerk at Leicester in January 1972 and took on the role of managing director seven years later.

He will be succeeded by Jimmy Stevenson, who has been head groundsman for the last 10 years.