The racing community is mourning after the passing of the much-admired Deane Lester. A respected form analyst and media personality, Lester was just last month diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and passed away peacefully on Thursday evening at the age of 54.
Having been a part of RSN Racing and Sport for many years, his colleagues had started a crowdfunding page to pay for his treatment upon his diagnosis, which raised more than $290,000, and a heartfelt tribute was published by RSN on Friday morning.
Lester began his racing journey in 1989, originally setting out to be a trainer. He started first in the media by clocking horses at Cranbourne, before he was offered an opportunity at RSN, then known as 3UZ, where he quickly became an established voice.
Deane Lester aboard his Shetland pony
RSN’s tribute describes Lester as: “The heartbeat of the station for more than two decades,” and credited his incredible ability to read races and pick winners with great consistency.
RSN Racing and Sports Chairman John Stewart said Lester’s contribution to the station was huge, adding that his knowledge and work ethic was unparalleled.
“For several decades, Deane Lester has been a part of people’s lives, helping them back a winner,” Stewart said.
“For several decades, Deane Lester has been a part of people’s lives, helping them back a winner.” - John Stewart
“For many listeners, Deane was the only voice they relied on and have trusted his opinions. Deane was more than a tipster and form analyst. His knowledge of racing was unrivalled but also his knowledge of all other sports and music for example was extraordinary. Deane was engaging and entertaining, a great person who will be sadly missed but never forgotten.”
Lester was also a member of Channel 7’s racing team, and recently the network aired a special tribute to him, in which his longtime friend Hamish McLachlan said he was: “Proud to call him a colleague, privileged to call him a friend.”
Andrew Bensley, RSN’s Program Director, highlighted Deane’s popularity with the station’s audience.
Deane Lester and his mother, Sandra
“Deane was sought-after by hundreds of racing participants, and he helped them all. Everyone trusted Deane. I have no doubt the history of Deane Lester will remain strong at RSN, a radio station where he created a career and a legacy,” Bensley said.
Born with Spina Bifida and from 2002 aided by a mobility scooter, Lester had battled health issues for his entire life, and the RSN tribute added touchingly, “...Deane never complained, moving forward with courage and dignity. There was work to be done, winners to be found.”
Lester is survived by his mother Sandra and his partner Leanne.
