Racing fan and avid Racing Post reader remembered at Pontefract on Monday

Two absent friends are remembered in a poignant race sponsorship at Pontefract on Monday, including one who bought every edition of the Racing Post from the day it was first published in 1986.

The Tim Pollitt 'SDS Is GOAT' Memorial Nursery Handicap (1.30) commemorates a man who inherited his love of racing from his father, who ran a betting shop in Wigan.

Pollitt died last year at the age of 53 and, explaining the sponsorship, his friend Paul Maguire said: "Tim visited many courses but Pontefract was definitely his favourite. He worked in the printing business and a day or two at Ponty every season was the staple diet, for business and pleasure."

The 'SDS' in the race title refers to Silvestre de Sousa, who is now based in Hong Kong but was a prolific winner at Pontefract in his time in Britain – to Pollitt's great profit.

The former champion jockey rode a four-timer at the course in October 2013 and Maguire recalled: "Tim was on a golf break in Scotland and placed a multiple bet before the round. As always, he watched the races on catch-up without knowing the results.

"We watched as his face got redder and redder as SDS booted home winner after winner. As we checked the returns, Tim uttered the phrase every punter loves to hear: 'Jeez, where's the decimal point?'"

Pollitt's wife Cath and daughters Meghan and Kitty will be at Pontefract, and Maguire has also arranged charity bets through Betfred on all of De Sousa's rides at Happy Valley on Wednesday - the anniversary of Pollitt's death - with proceeds going to Macmillan nurses and the Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

William Buick has his first ride since being crowned champion jockey on Saturday when he partners Local Dynasty in the Listed British Stallion Studs EBF Silver Tankard Stakes (2.00), the feature event at the track's final meeting of the year.

The Godolphin colt, who was a beaten favourite when fifth behind subsequent Dewhurst winner Chaldean in the Acomb Stakes at York, was a ready winner in novice company at Sandown last month.

Buick will also be on the Cesarewitch runner-up Vino Victrix, who bids to give Hughie Morrison a third win in seven years in the Phil Bull Trophy (2.35).

Pontefract Monday card and betting

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