Western Morning News (Saturday)
Race named in honour of bookmaker
THE family of a popular Exeter bookmaker say they are proud and honoured by the announcement that a horse race has been named in his memory.
Peter King was a familiar face at racecourses throughout Devon and Cornwall and further afield across the south, including Cheltenham and Ascot.
But he was most closely associated with Exeter and Newton Abbot where he was known as ‘the quiet and friendly one’ by punters.
Peter died in November last year at the age of 65 of complications following a renal transplant.
He was so well respected by the bookmaking community, that they have helped to organise his special send off.
On October 7, the last race of the day at Exeter Racecourse will be ‘The Peter King Memorial Season Open
er’. His son Lewis said: “To have a race named after him is such an honour and a testament to him and how much he was loved in the community.
“On the day we will also be scattering his ashes. It is apt as it was a place he loved.” He added: “He loved his work and spent his working life there. He’d be very proud at the fitting tribute.”
Peter was born and bred in Exeter and raised his family in Pennsylvania and later Broadclyst. It was his father who started the family business, Roger King & Son.
Peter was initially a promising footballer and played for Topsham FC before developing Crohn’s disease, after which he spent many years working with his father at the racecourses.
“He would go to all the point-topoints,” said Lewis.
“All the ones in Devon and Cornwall and also the big ones at Cheltenham and Ascot.
“He continued working right up until the end. The funny thing about bookmaking is that’s what they do, they never really retire.”
Lewis says he has not been tempted to follow in his dad’s footsteps and the growth of online betting has changed the industry.
“The bookmaking community is a close community where everyone knows everyone,” he said.
“After the announcement of my father’s death, the bookmakers took it upon themselves to give my father the perfect send off.
“I would like to thank Joe Oliver, who was one of my father’s best friends, who has organised this for us.”