Lavery tribute as Newcastle get set to remember Harry
Local MP describes 'Wor Harry' as like a brother and a proper dog man
Byker track stages two finals including Harry Burton Trophy
IAN LAVERY, the MP for Blyth and Ashington and a former chairman of the Labour Party, has paid tribute to his friend Harry Burton, the late trainer who is being remembered at Newcastle on Thursday.
The Byker venue stages the first running of the Harry Burton Trophy alongside the final of the BGBF British Bred Maiden Trophy for two Category Two deciders and a cracking night's racing which Harry, who died in December, would have thoroughly enjoyed says Lavery, who misses his great friend - "a proper dog man".
Lavery said: "Harry Burton - 'Wor Harry' - was a brother to us. An incredibly likeable person with charisma and great craic in equal measure.
"He liked a beer or two but he wasn’t a big betting man, preferring a winner to gamble
"Harry was what we call in the North East a proper dog man. He was brought up in and around proper dog men who loved their dogs more than anything else.
"This rubbed off on Harry. Greyhounds and lurchers he adored. Track or coursing he enjoyed with success.
"Harry was a true character and a good sportsman himself. He was a tough bloke with a big heart.
"I could tell many tales as could most doggy men. Harry was all that’s the very best in our great sport. We’re losing the true characters all too soon.
"'Wor Harry' was certainly one of those.
"A big thank-you to the team at Newcastle for arranging this competition. Harry would be thrilled. He loved a pint. He loved his dogs. He loved the craic, but most of all he loved his family."
