Fears subside over Racecourse memorial tree
Journalist James Hughes-Onslow, who writes the Londoner’s Diary column for the London Evening Standard, feared that his father’s memorial was under threat from development.
His father Andrew was racing manager for Schweppes in the 1960s and 1970s when the company used to sponsor the Grand National.
He said: “My father persuaded Schweppes to invest in the Schweppes Gold Trophy at Newbury in February each year."
He added: “In 1978, the year before he died, my father was involved in buying four horses for Schweppes, Schweppesshire Lad, Schweppervescence, Straight Schweppes and another one.
“They each won most of their races, so my father’s death, aged 59 in 1979, was a huge shock for the racing community, especially Frank Osgood, clerk of the course, and Charlie Toller, chairman, who were great friends.
“It was Frank Osgood, as clerk of the course, who decided on the tree.”
The maple tree, with its memorial plaque, still stands but on a recent visit, Mr Hughes-Onslow said he was told by a course official that the tree may be cut down to make way for new jockeys’ quarters.
He said: “We are worried by the idea that it might be cut down and would like to transplant it if necessary. It is after all our father’s grave – his ashes are scattered there.”
Mr Hughes-Onslow said he had received messages of support from trainer Nicky Henderson, whose father was friends with Andrew, as well as composer Andrew Lloyd-Webber and author Jilly Cooper.
However, a spokeswoman for the racecourse, Kelly Hasbury, said that the racecourse was now able to reassure Mr Hughes-Onslow.
She added: “The memorial tree is safe. It will stay where it is and will be on the edge of a new owners and trainers car park.
“Not only that but we’ll be putting up a new plaque.”