Ludlow to remember racing groom on Wednesday with race run in his memory

A groom who had rides as a conditional jockey will be remembered at Ludlow on Wednesday in a race in which he rode four years ago.

Luke Watson worked in racing for ten years, starting off in Epsom for Jim Boyle, John Akehurst and Simon Dow then moving to the Midlands working for Paul Webber, Alex Hales and Richard Phillips before sadly dying at the age of 26 in November 2018.

Watson finished third on what proved his final ride in the 3m conditional jockeys’ and amateur riders’ handicap chase – named in his memory on Wednesday’s card – aboard the Hales-trained Salut Honore in 2016.

Phillips hosted an annual charity cricket match in Watson’s memory in August and raised more than £1,400 for Racing Welfare.

Ludlow: seven-race card on WednesdayCredit: Getty Images

Nick Watson, father of Luke, said on Tuesday: “It’s going to be a poignant day and emotional but we’re looking forward to it.

“Luke was fascinated by horses from an early age and decided from his early teens that racing would be a good career. He met a lot of lovely people in his time in the sport and they’ve been very helpful and supportive to us.

“I’ve packed Luke’s flat cap that he used to wear when he went to the races, so I’ll have that on tomorrow and a pair of his
horse-design cufflinks. Our thanks must go to Alex Hales, Richard Phillips, Paul Webber and David Fitzgerald who have helped to sponsor the race.”

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