Graham Lee, the 2004 Grand National winner, is “not giving up” after suffering life-changing injuries in a fall last year, with the Grand National-winning rider to be recognized in next week’s Leger Legends race at Doncaster.
“There’s a good turnout, which is good, and it’s good to get out and do things like this to help him,” he told Sky Sports Racing.
“He (Graham Lee) is doing OK. We’ve had a getaway at Oaksey House for the week and he’s enjoyed that.
“He’s doing well and keeping his physio going constant, so he’s not giving up.
“It does help him getting a change of scenery and really gives him a reset and helps clear his mind.”
When it was suggested that his father could write a book about his glittering career, Lee added: “We’re hoping his story is not over, hopefully there’s more to tell.
“He’s still a fighter and is not going to give up yet – he’ll keep going for as long as he can.”
A Tribute to a Legend
Lee’s friend and former weighing-room colleague Andrew Thornton, who rode more than 1,000 winners himself, is one of the organisers of the Leger Legends event and is pleased the race will carry Lee’s name on September 15.
He said: “He’s ridden 2,000 winners under both codes, it’s remarkable.
“It’s obviously very sad what happened, but we’re all behind him and we’re all doing what we can for him.
“This event is for the National Racing College and also for the Injured Jockeys Fund and Jack Berry House. Graham benefits through that and gave us his blessing to call it that this year.
“Graham was ultra professional. He had a nasty accident at Huntingdon one day and decided that was enough over jumps and he’d give it a crack on the Flat.
“He’s a great character and a great lad. I see plenty of him now and it’s tough for him, but we’ll do what we can.
“Every jockey who rides, we all go by the grace of God. Sadly accidents do happen and you’ve just go to try to make the best of it when they do.
A Star-Studded Lineup for the Leger Legends Race
Revealing some of the big names who will take part in the Leger Legends race on Town Moor this year, Thornton added: “We’ve got past winners in Sammy-Jo Bell and Brian Harding taking part and Meg Nicholls is donning the silks again.
“We’ve got Gerald Mosse coming over (from France) and Tom Scudamore, Dickie (Richard) Johnson is having another crack and we’ve got an Irish contingent coming over as well including Mark Enright, Bryan Cooper and David Mullins – a Grand National-winning rider.”
Lee’s resilience in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration to many. Despite his injuries, he continues to fight, and his story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dedicate their lives to the sport of horse racing.
The Leger Legends race promises to be a poignant tribute to a beloved figure in the racing world, one that will raise vital funds for the Injured Jockeys Fund and the National Racing College.
As the world of horse racing rallies around Graham Lee, it is a reminder of the deep bonds of camaraderie and support that exist within this community. Lee’s unwavering spirit, as he continues to fight through his challenges, is an inspiration to all those who admire him and the sport that he loves.
