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'It's been awful' – King's Pavilion an emotional winner for Jason Ward
King's Pavilion (far side) wins the mile handicap for trainer Jason WardCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)
Middleham trainer Jason Ward dedicated King's Pavilion's victory in the mile handicap to John Kay following the death of his travelling head lad on Thursday.
An emotional Ward described Kay, who was 61 and lived near the yard at Harmby, as "not just an employee but a great friend" as the stable came to terms with the loss of a key figure.
"He sadly passed away from aggressive cancer yesterday and that's for him," said Ward. "Five weeks ago he led me up a winner. The whole yard is in shock, it's just been awful.
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