Star Sports set to honour Nick Savva during the Derby

Star Sports to plan Derby tribute for Nick Savva

Kim Sanzone, head of the company's greyhound racing operations, said the Star Sports family headed by boss Ben Keith had been devastated to hear the news of Nick Savva's passing on Thursday - and intend to honour his memory during this year's Star Sports & Orchestrate Ltd. English Greyhound Derby.

"We were just devastated to hear of Nick's passing, a huge loss to everyone in the sport," said Sanzone.

"We're in regular contact with the team at Towcester and will be discussing the best way to honour Nick's memory, whether that's during the derby itself, on final night, or as part of the Derby Lunch.

"Either way it is something hugely important to all of us at Star, particularly Ben and Kaan (Hughes, head of on-course at Star Sports).

"From a personal point of view, I'm so glad I got the chance to spend some time with him last year during the Derby. "It was always a privilege to spend time in his company and he truly had some amazing stories to tell.

"I received a lovely message from his daughter Nicola this morning that set me off again. He really will be missed by so many people."