We’re unable to comprehensively identify the three gentlemen with the jockey in this Bradley Photographers photo from the 1960’s - I believe their surnames were Ryan, Holmes and Clavelle.
We can however officially identify the jockey as Max Lees whose brief but notable riding career was halted by increasing weight in the 1960’s.
The respected horseman went on to become an eminently successful trainer before his untimely death in 2003.
Max was rarely without a handy horse in his Broadmeadow stable. His list of favourites included Snippets, Coronation Day, Flitter, Zephyrz, Chlorophyll, Ruffles, County Tyrone and the exciting Luskin Star with whom he won the 1977 2YO Triple Crown. The son of Kaoru Star completely dominated the Golden Slipper, AJC Sires Produce and Champagne Stakes of that year.
Max Lees has been honoured on two counts by the Newcastle Jockey Club. Firstly the Max Lees Medal is presented every year to the trainer who has the best winning strike rate on the Newcastle track.
In 2017 a new 2 year old race called the Max Lees Classic was added to the NJC calendar.
Kris Lees was thrust into the training business when his father died unexpectedly sixteen years ago. He has filled a giant pair of shoes with great distinction.
What a pleasant surprise it was to stumble upon this early photo of a young Max Lees during his fleeting career as a jockey. Special thanks to Bradley Photos.