David Morton
May 1940 – August 2020
It was with sincere sadness on Thursday 13th of August the BHRC were informed of the passing of one of our sport’s greatest characters and supporters.
David Morton’s death will have saddened many in the harness racing world here in the UK and beyond.
Due to his ill-health over the last couple of years Davie was unable to attend any race meetings but in the previous seven decades his involvement and influence was greatly felt.
He can be remembered as a breeder, owner, trainer & driver as well as a track owner and major sponsor in the sport, a sport he truly loved to be in.
His patronage to harness racing over the years was legendary and his generosity knew no bounds when it came to causes he supported.
Davie’s greatest attribute in the sport may well have been his ability to pick out quality young horses and having built up a very successful business empire over the years, was able to follow through and purchase many of those that caught his eye.
The list of top class horses owned by David Morton over the years brings back many memories and to list them all would require a lot of ink but to single out one or two of what we think were his favorites, mention must be made of Young Hurricane & Eastern Star from the early years.
Rambling Lane, Saunders Star & Red Banner from the late seventies, into the eighties.
His Famous Musselburgh Pace winner Red Governess from the 90’s (A race he so desperately loved and wanted to win for decades)
And of course his favorite of them all Stoneriggs Mystery, the horse of a lifetime who only recently was voted best British standardbred of all time.
Scrolling through social media you will find many fitting tributes to Davie from far and wide in the sport from those who knew him publicly and those with very personal stories of him.
Someday we will hopefully collaborate all the memories in an article reflecting Davie’s lifetime in trotting but in the meantime the BHRC wish to express their sincere condolences to those closest to him, namely his wife Wilma, his family and closest friends.
May he rest in peace.