Hong Kong racing lost one of its finest horsemen with the passing this morning of Lawrence Fownes. The respected and well-liked former trainer died after a long struggle with illness. He was 77.
Lawrie amassed a total of 637 Hong Kong wins in 22 seasons up to his retirement from the trainer’s rank in 2002/03. That tally included eight pattern races and his career pinnacle in Hong Kong came when he saddled Super Fit to triumph in the 1994 Hong Kong Derby. His son, Caspar Fownes, is Hong Kong’s current Champion Trainer.
“I believe I speak for everyone at the Hong Kong Jockey Club when I say that I am saddened to learn of the passing of Lawrie Fownes. Lawrie was a popular and knowledgeable horseman who was an asset to the Hong Kong racing scene for over thirty years. He will be greatly missed. I wish to extend the Club’s deep condolences, as well as my own, to Lawrie’s family at this time. He was a real gentleman and respected by all in the racing industry,” said Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
A son of a cavalryman and horse trainer of British descent, Lawrie was born and raised in India. He went on to become a multiple champion trainer there and notched more than 650 wins, including most of the sub-continent’s major races. He moved to Hong Kong to continue his training career in 1981, and over the next two decades he established a reputation as a dedicated horseman noted for integrity and consistent performance.
As well as Super Fit, other standout winners from the Lawrie Fownes stable included Kadbridge (1993 Centenary Cup), Cricket Lord (1995 The Queen Mother’s Cup), Winning Partners (1996 Happy Valley Trophy) and En Rapport (1997 Centurion Trophy).
A devoted family man, Lawrie was a huge supporter of his son Caspar Fownes, whom he encouraged and mentored. Caspar obtained his trainer’s license in the 2003/04 campaign, the season after his father’s retirement, and has since won the Hong Kong Champion Trainer title three times (2006/07, 2008/09 and 2013/14).
Lawrie Fownes is survived by his wife Pamela, his son Caspar, his two daughters Stephanie and Fenella, and his grandchildren.
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Photo 1:
The late former trainer Lawrie Fownes (front row, 2nd left) at his retirement presentation at the end of 2002/03 racing season.
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