Much-loved racing identity Deane Lester has passed away, aged 54.
Lester died peacefully at the Alfred Hospital on Thursday night after battling a rare form of cancer.
It wasn’t the only battle Lester faced as he also dealt with Spina Bifida his entire life, using a mobility scooter to aid him in his latter years.
Lester was a highly respected form analyst primarily with RSN Racing and Sport as well as the TAB.
He also worked closely with trainers and jockeys, offering assistance with speed maps and the placing of horses.
He could read a race like no other.
RIP Deano, you’ll be missed.
The tributes have flooded in from people and organisations all over the racing industry.
RIP Deane Lester 💔
— David King (@davidking34) February 16, 2023
Cracking fella who’ll be sorely missed. A pioneer who raised the bar in the racing industry for work ethic and professionalism. A friend to all.
Very sorry to hear that Deane Lester has passed away, passionate racing man with a knowledge like no other, amazing talent to read races & assess horses, condolences to his friends & family #rip
— Samuel Hyland (@HylandSamuel) February 16, 2023
Condolences to his family and friends. Racing icon who inspired a new generation.
— Dean Watling (@deanwatling) February 16, 2023
Gonna miss his wisdom and battle with Kurt on a Monday morning. #rip https://t.co/kmfeeInbT0
Thoughts are with Deane’s family & friends tonight..
— Mick Gannon (@M_Gannon_) February 16, 2023
An inspiration to so many, he’ll be sorely missed by the racing community💕 https://t.co/BPChKCme1f
We can report sadly that Deane Lester has passed away tonight at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital aged 54.
— RSN927am (@RSN927) February 16, 2023
Our condolences go to Deane’s family including mum Sandra and his partner Leanne. pic.twitter.com/Ec8jBUVe18
The @RSN927 family will honour Deane Lester who passed away Thursday night aged 54.
— Andrew Bensley (@AndrewBensley) February 16, 2023
Friday morning from 6 @RSNBreakfast and Racing Pulse will honour a man that will always be part of our family.
Australian racing has lost a great. Rest in peace, Deane Lester
— Damien Ractliffe (@DamienRactliffe) February 16, 2023
We have heard that Deane Lester sadly passed away this evening at the Alfred Hospital aged 54. Amazing man, Deano brought so much to so many in racing. His friendship will be sadly missed along with his wonderful knowledge. A very sad time. We acknowledge a true champion #RIP🙏
— Bryan Martin OAM (@bmracingclub) February 16, 2023
An incredible man, a remarkable servant of the industry and an inspiration for many. Vale Deane Lester. https://t.co/rLiFU8CUlD
— Andrew Hawkins (@AndrewNJHawkins) February 16, 2023
This is terribly sad news 😢Deane Lester is an icon of the 🏇racing industry. He has made an immeasurable contribution to the sport & its participants, big & small, over 20+ years. I would love to see RVL honour him well into the future via a stakes race or media scholarship? https://t.co/BuR5cKF4wV
— Daniel O'Sullivan (@TRBHorseRacing) February 16, 2023
Deane Lester had the same courage and tenacity of a champion racehorse who kept fighting against all odds with an inspiring optimism when he was entitled to believe otherwise.
— Adam White (@White_Adam) February 16, 2023
I’ve lost a dear irreplaceable friend, trusted confidante and sounding board.
As have countless others. pic.twitter.com/5Kl2oNEdvB
Shattered to hear the news about Deane Lester. Such a generous & kind man who helped so many despite his own health issues. He wasn’t only the best form analyst I’ve heard but the best racing mind in general. A massive loss to the sport. Thinking of Deane’s friends & family.
— Ben Asgari (@BenAsgariRacing) February 16, 2023
So very sad to hear of Deane Lester’s passing overnight. The voice of the punt for so many over so many years. An incredible mind for the sport and a great sense of humour, what a journey. Rest In Peace.
— Mick Sharkie (@TheSharkTweet) February 16, 2023
It’s with great sadness to learn the passing of Deane Lester this morning. A very considerate person who only had his peers and friends best interests at heart. Deane was a great mentor to me to say the least. Forever remembered and thanks for everything. Rest In Peace Deano.
— Ethan Brown (@Brown_ethan8) February 16, 2023
😢
— Benny Said (@BenjaminSaid3) February 16, 2023
RIP Deane Lester - condolences to his family & friends devastating news! 💔
The absolute best at his craft - a champion human being and a legend of racing
Words can’t describe how much he will be missed
Greyhound Racing Victoria is deeply saddened to hear the news that Deane Lester has passed away.
— Greyhound Racing Victoria (@GRV_News) February 16, 2023
The board and staff of GRV offer their condolences to his mother, Sandra, and his partner, Leanne.
Deane was a thoroughbred racing guru, but he was a fan of all three racing codes.