Garry Nash pays tribute to Lord David Lipsey

Lord David Lipsey remembered 

Garry Nash, managing director of Premier Greyhound Racing, said it was an honour to be asked to pay tribute to the late Lord David Lipsey at a memorial service in London this week.

Nash joined family members and former colleagues by remembering Lord Lipsey’s life at a service attended by over 300 people, including many from the world of greyhound racing given the Labour peer’s long association with the sport as Premier Greyhound Racing chair. He previously held the same position at the British Greyhound Racing Board from 2004 to 2009.

“David was passionate about greyhound racing and particularly effective when it came to welfare improvements in the sport,” said Nash. “He loved animals and it was an honour to speak about David’s life from a racing point of view, his passion for not just greyhounds and greyhound racing, but harness racing and horse racing.

“Of course, David had an incredible career in politics and journalism and his amazing life was remembered by some moving tributes from ex-colleagues and family members, particularly his sons Dominic and Barney, daughter Becky, and David’s lovely wife Margaret.”

By kind permission of the Lipsey family, Garry Nash’s tribute at the memorial event celebrating the life of Lord David Lipsey is printed below:

Today, we celebrate the life of David Lipsey — a man whose passion,commitment, and humour left a lasting mark not only on politics and public life, as we have already heard, but also on the sports and animals he loved so dearly. My name is Garry Nash and my connection with David is through greyhound racing. I have been asked by Margaret to speak about David’s love of racing - in all its forms: harness racing, horse racing, and greyhound racing.

David’s first encounter with racing came as a teenager when he was taken by his godmother to a track. From then on, racing was in his blood. He often said that if he had not gone into politics, he would have liked to have been a jockey. And in many ways, he lived his life with the same drive, daring, and determination that a jockey needs. His introduction to betting was perhaps less successful — he ran a book at school, where he cheerfully admitted to being the only bookmaker who managed to lose money!

David discovered harness racing near his home in Wales - and at an age when many gave up the sport, he became a driver. Harness racing fulfilled David’s dream of being a jockey. Margaret recalls the sight of him hurtling around the field, a huge smile lighting up his face. It was, she said, both thrilling and terrifying to watch — but he was completely in his element. The harness racing fraternity remain deeply grateful for the energy, support, and promotion he gave their sport.

David’s first passion in racing was with horses. In particular he loved steeplechasing and point to points. He owned parts, usually legs, of horses for many years, often persuading his fellow peers to buy into a share too. He also had a horse racing syndicate in the Lords - called Peers Pleasure.

Most recently he was involved with horses in Wales, with trainer Katie Price. He supported the early days of Katie’s stable by firing off an email to 50 friends saying: “Would you like a leg of a horse?” And many found themselves agreeing, swept along by his infectious enthusiasm.

He had a fascination with betting and how the business worked. His first formal role in racing was as an independent non-executive director of the Tote, where he contributed to many aspects of its running. At every Cheltenham Gold Cup, he was a familiar figure in the Tote box - even, on one occasion, being described by the legendary trainer Henrietta Knight as “soothing.” A description, I suspect, few others, including himself, have ever applied to David!

David tried his hand at fiction, writing a racing novel titled Counter Coup, which he described, with typical humour, as a “pastiche Dick Francis.” This was not a best seller. Greyhound racing captured David’s heart and enthusiasm.

His love for greyhounds was both personal and profound, and welfare was always at the very core of it. He knew that, for the sport to thrive, it had to maintain the highest standards. He championed improved welfare not out of duty, but out of love - because he cared deeply for the dogs themselves. At home, he and Margaret shared their lives with their beloved retired greyhounds Zak and Brenda. Zak went on to win Westminster Dog of the Year, something David was immensely proud of. There is a photo of David and Zak, nose to nose, in the order of service.

David’s first taste of greyhound racing came in 1976, shortly after the Labour leadership contest, when Anthony Crossland, his boss, came bottom of the poll. Looking for somewhere he felt certain not to bump into any politicians, he went to Wimbledon Stadium - and so began a lifelong connection.

From early syndicate ownership with dogs like Park Laddie and Tooting Beckie, through to his later roles with the British Greyhound Racing Board, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, and the Greyhound Trust, David poured his energy into improving welfare, supporting rehoming, and strengthening the sport he loved. He often said that helping improve standards in greyhound welfare was one of the great achievements of his life.

He loved the fact that it was enjoyed by people from all walks of life - and a night at the dogs was a particular treat for him. Margaret even celebrated her 60th birthday party at Wimbledon dog track, and David sponsored a race named in her honour - The Flying Marg.

As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Greyhound Racing, David gave the sport a strong, respected voice in Westminster. He worked tirelessly to secure fairer treatment for greyhound racing and for those who dedicated their lives to it. What set David apart was his ability to lead. He had a natural charm that drew people in and persuaded them to join his cause. Whether he was negotiating with gambling companies, arguing for a fairer deal for the sport, or pressing for higher welfare standards, David could bring even the most entrenched opponents around. Amid the most serious discussions, he always managed to make people laugh.

His ability to produce copy, that he became well known for in both politics and journalism, became apparent in his work with me. He would write in a wonderfully structured way with very readable content, his capacity for work was astonishing. In later years, his leadership continued as Chair of Premier Greyhound Racing.

I will always treasure our trips to tracks across the country - filled with conversation, and laughter. David, though, could infuriate race organisers, because whenever he was due to present a trophy, things invariably ran late. Why? Because David had slipped off to place a bet on the next race.

David Lipsey’s life in racing was driven by one simple thing: love. A deep and abiding love of the sport, of the animals, and of the people who made up its communities. He was in it for no other reason.

And it is because of that love - expressed so generously, so consistently - that he will be remembered with immense respect and great affection by us all.