RSN names studio in honour of Deane Lester

On the one year anniversary of his passing, RSN Racing and Sport has paid tribute to the late, great Deane Lester, with a new studio named in his honour.

The Deane Lester Studio at Racing Victoria was officially unveiled yesterday morning during Racing Pulse.

Host Michael Felgate was joined in the new Deane Lester Studio by some of Deane’s great mates – trainer Robbie Griffiths, jockey Jye McNeil and the VRC’s Executive General Manager of Racing Leigh Jordon.

Deane was pivotal in helping McNeil secure the ride on the Twilight Payment in the 2020 Melbourne Cup. The Victorian jockey gave the Lloyd Williams-owned stayer a masterful ride to land Australia’s greatest race.

“It has been tough, for sure. Deane played such a big role in my life, both as a friend and a mentor,” McNeil said.

It was 12 months ago now that RSN revealed the tragic news that Deane – a loyal colleague and friend – had passed away after battling a rare form of cancer.

For so long, Deane was the heart and soul of RSN, but his spirit lives on at the station, with his name etched proudly on the door to the main RSN studio.

RSN Racing and Sport CEO Bernard Saundry says naming the studio after Deane ensures his contribution to the station is never forgotten.

“Deane was the heartbeat of the station for more than two decades and he is greatly missed by our staff and our audience.”

“We still receive text messages from our listeners, saying how much they miss Deane, not just for his incredible ability to read a race and find winners, but also his incredible general knowledge and humour.”

“We are absolutely delighted to name our new studio after Deane Lester, a man who did so much for this great station.”