Race to remember unlucky punter

The last of Mr Lee's six chosen winners was disqualified

A race is being run in memory of an unlucky punter who died soon after missing out on a jackpot of nearly £1m.

Bookmakers Betfred are staging the race at Newcastle Racecourse on Saturday in memory of Jack Lee, of Walkergate in the city, who died in November.

Mr Lee, 75, missed out on £857,714 winnings after one of his selections was disqualified from first place.

He died hours before he was to be presented with a £15,000 goodwill gesture by a Manchester bet winner.

Mr Lee had missed out on the winnings on the Scoop6 for just a £2 stake when Babodana was disqualified from first place at Newmarket on 30 October.

The following weekend's Scoop6 winner, Stuart Bolland, from Cadishead, Greater Manchester, had been due to give £15,000 to Mr Lee.

The last race of the afternoon at Newcastle Racecourse, which was Mr Lee's home track, will be run in his name.

Newcastle course manager David Williamson said: "It will be touching. It's a nice way to remember Jack."

Member's of Mr Lee's family are due to be at the racecourse to present the trophy on Saturday afternoon.