Racing fan David Chillery continues sponsoring chase celebrating his divorce

Newton Abbot tonight hosts the David Chillery Continues Celebrating His Divorce Novices' Handicap Chase (6.20), a sponsorship which has taken on legendary status at this meeting.

Local bus driver and racing enthusiast David Chillery, 75, split up with his first wife Jean in 1978 after she ran off with one of his friends.

His second marriage to Madeline ended in 1996 after she also cheated on him with another of his pals.

"I'm far better off divorced so I celebrate the anniversary of it each year by sponsoring a race at Newton Abbot," Chillery said.

"This will be my eighth year of doing so. It's my local course. I only live 12 miles away and always look forward to this night. I was even interviewed on At The Races by Luke Harvey last year which was quite comical."

Chillery, who has no plans to marry again, added: "I treat myself to a box at Newton Abbot and invite family and friends. Newton Abbot look after us very well. It's one of the finest courses in Britain.

"The sun is supposed to come out at around 5pm and it should be a lovely evening. Midnight Folie looks to have an obvious favourite's chance in my race, but I fancy Jimmy Frost's horse, This Breac.

"Jimmy doesn't have many runners, but he gets his share of big-priced winners. Bryony is riding the horse too, which is a bonus. She's a great jockey."

The friends Chillery has invited to Newton Abbot tonight have been carefully selected. "I've been a lot choosier with mates since my second divorce," he admitted.

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