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Horse race held in memory of regional sports reporter

Ray GilpinA horse race in memory of a former regional journalist has been run after his ashes were scattered on the track.

The Ray Gilpin Victor Ludorum Juvenile Hurdle was held at Haydock Park On Saturday, in honour of the sports reporter who worked for both North Wales Newspapers and the Birmingham Evening Mail during his career.

Ray, pictured above left, who went on to become senior northern reporter for the Racing Post, died in August last year aged 68.

His ashes were scattered at the racecourse, near Wigan, in a private ceremony before racing began.

His widow Sue said: “”Haydock was Ray’s favourite racecourse and it was fitting it was the last one he attended. He loved popping over here.”

Sue later presented the prize to connections of the hurdle’s winner, Frodon.

Originally from Wrexham, Ray was a promising footballer in his youth and once played for Wales schoolboys against England.

His first ever job in sport was as the racing correspondent for North Wales Newspapers, and he later moved to become racing editor at the Birmingham Evening Mail before taking on the role at the Racing Post.

In his later career he freelanced for the Post, the Press Association and Racing UK.