Racehorse Trainer Frank Lewis passes aged 101. A tribute to our friend.
Image: Frank Lewis (ATC, 2020)
"Horses are better served racing instead of having track gallops to keep them fit," he said. (Presnell, 2017)
Frank Lewis was a dear friend of ours and sadly passed away last Tuesday at the age of 101 years. We send our condolences to Frank’s family and friends.
In memory of Frank, we would like to reflect on the amazing person and horseman he was. Frank was always a poised gentleman who wore his flat cap or had perfectly combed hair and pressed shirt and pants. I always remember him being softly spoken, he would kiss your cheek so gently when saying hello with a gentle grasp of your hand. He was nurturing and always took an interest in what you were doing, a great listener with attentive eye contact.
Spending many years at ours over Christmas Eve dinner, stories were shared. My favourite, Frank and his driver’s license. At Frank’s age he was required to take an annual driver’s test. This happened for at least 10-years, since the age of 83-years-old. Frank would always pass with flying colours. Then at the age of 93, they renewed his license for 10-years. We all thought this was hilarious, joking they were sick of him and decided to issue him a 10-year license.
Image: Frank Lewis in 1989 (Alexander James Towle, 1989)
For those that did not know Frank, he was a Sydney based racehorse trainer. Starting his career in Maroubra Junction after returning from War World II as a pilot. He built stables at the back of his parents’ home where Lord Fury was prepared, taking home the 1961 Melbourne Cup. Other notable achievements were Beau Babylonwho came runner up in the 1969 Golden Slipper, purchasing the horse for a mere two-thousand dollars. He also won the Silver Slipper Stakes with Gold Brose, purchasing the yearling for $16,000.
"Vain beat Beau Babylon easily in the Golden Slipper but my horse, ridden by an apprentice Pat Webster, missed the start by six lengths and didn't have as hard a run as the winner," Lewis recalled (Presnell, 2017).
Frank, we were so privileged to be apart of your life. We will miss that cheeky smile and glimmer in your eyes.
Megan on behalf of The Roberts Family.