Epsom Oaks will be run in Cecil's memory

The Group 1 Oaks at Epsom Downs will

this year be run in memory of Britain's legendary trainer Sir Henry Cecil, who passed

away last year.

Cecil boasted as impressive record in the Oaks, saddling eight winners

between 1985 and 2007.

"We are honored to announce that the Oaks has

been named in memory of Sir Henry Cecil for this year's renewal," said Andrew Cooper,

head of racing and clerk of the course for Epsom Downs. "His record in this race was

exceptional, and few present will ever forget the emotion generated following his 2007 win with

Light Shift."

Cecil's widow, trainer Lady Jane Cecil, expressed her appreciation.

"I was

delighted when I heard that Epsom wanted to celebrate Henry's life and career by staging this

year's Oaks in his memory," she said. "The Oaks is the classic in which Henry enjoyed the

greatest success with a total of eight victories.

"They were all special to him, but I can

vividly recall his immense pleasure when Light Shift won the race in 2007 for the Niarchos

Family. That was such a wonderful day for Henry and everyone at Warren Place."

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