IT’S a sad time. Lester held so many great memories for Sue and I.

I remember meeting Lester in the parade ring before the 1971 Haydock Sprint Cup.

A group of us had bought into Green God a couple of days before and Lester was up for what was to be the horse’s final race.

“Don’t be looking for me at the furlong pole, I won’t be there until the line,” he told me, and sure enough he produced him with his trademark impeccable timing.

At this time of year M.V. O’Brien was regularly frustrated by Lester playing musical chairs of what he would be riding in the Derby.

But he said: “You have to put up with him, otherwise you give the opposition a 7lb advantage!”

He really was the greatest.

His family are in our thoughts.