Popular trainer Harry Burton passed away on Monday

Harry Burton has passed away

Tributes have been paid to Harry Burton, the popular former Newcastle and Pelaw trainer, who died on Monday after a long illness. He was 70.

Harry, who trained 2023 Arc Classic winner Jonny Whiskers as well as Arc Puppy Trophy heroine Ballybough Mags the same year, only relinquished his trainer’s licence last year when Glenn Foot took over, although was still a regular visitor at his great friend Ray Hale's the kennels for whom he held a kennel hand's licence. 

Newcastle general manager Ian Walton said: “All of us here at Newcastle Stadium are sad to hear of Harry’s passing. He was a fantastic trainer and a true dog man. 

“On a personal note, Harry was one of the good guys in the sport. He not only loved his dogs, family and football, he also liked a laugh. I’ve kept in touch with him since he retired and I will miss him.” 

Ian Lavery, the MP for Wansbeck and the leading owner for many years, was a great friend of Harry’s. 

The former chairman of the Labour Party, added his own tribute, commenting: "Harry Burton was a typical working class lad. Loved his dogs loved his horses, his beer and craic. He’ll be a massive loss to many people here in the North East. Harry was a great character someone who’d help anyone and often did. He was like a brother to me but a great friend to many. RIP big H’"

Pat Quinn, former head lad to late Wembley trainer Pat Heasman, said: “Years ago we had the most wonderful night at Brough Park (Newcastle). 

“He had a lovely dog called Seaman Saves. Myself, Ian Lavery and David Seaman all appeared to watch it - and he absolutely bolted up 9-2 in an open. It was also on television and we had a great night. 

“Harry was not only a brilliant person but his dogs were turned out to show standard, all looked exceptionally well. 

“Harry was respected by all that knew him,. He never took any prisoners if he didn’t like them. Not many people away from the area would also know that, like the late Lord Lipsey, Harry was also a really good trainer of trotting horses. 

“He loved, along with his wife, staying with myself and Pam. Pam thought the world of him.” 

Dave Gray, racing manager at Star Pelaw, said: “I’m shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Harry Burton. 

“Before retiring he was our on-site trainer at Star Pelaw being dual attached with ourselves and Newcastle Stadium. Harry was an excellent ‘old school’ trainer and an absolute gentleman and, as an RM, I can honestly say we never had a cross word he understood the sport deeply and we had a mutual respect of the jobs each of us had to do. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Scott Harvey, now head of commercial at Towcester Racecourse but formerly of Bags and the GBGB, said: “Harry was a dog man through and through, and a treasured friend. 

“I remember an afternoon spent at Newcastle for heats of Bags Track Championship before going on for a drink in his home town of Ashington. He knew absolutely everyone, and you could see how much he was loved. And I’ve never seen Pelaw Grange as packed as it was for his birthday. It felt like the whole village had turned out for him. 

“Harry always told it straight and didn’t mind who was listening but would be first to offer help and advice to those needing it. A true gent, he will be sorely missed.”