"Grand National-winning jockey Graham Lee stays resilient after life-altering injury; honored in the Leger Legends race to support injured riders and racing education."
Graham Lee is determined not to give up after sustaining life-changing injuries from a fall last year, with the Grand National-winning rider set to be honoured in next week's Leger Legends race at Doncaster.
Lee, a Group One champion on the Flat, was unseated at Newcastle in November, resulting in a serious spinal injury.
A JustGiving page, created by Lee's daughter Amy for the Injured Jockeys Fund, has raised over GBP 200,000. Additionally, the Graham Lee Racing Club was launched in April.
The Graham Lee Vickers.Bet Leger Legends Classified Stakes will be a highlight on the final day of the St Leger meeting on Sunday, featuring former jockeys returning to the tracks to raise funds for the IJF and the National Racing College.
Before the race, a charity golf event took place on Monday, where Lee's son Robbie provided an update on his father's condition.
"There's a good turnout, which is great, and it's good to do activities like this to support him," he told Sky Sports Racing.
"Graham is doing OK. We've spent a week at Oaksey House, and he's enjoyed it.
"He's keeping his physiotherapy routine constant, so he's not giving up.
"Changing scenery helps him reset and clear his mind."
When asked if his father might write a book about his stellar career, Robbie responded, "We're hoping his story isn't over yet. There's more to tell.
"He's a fighter and is not going to give up – he'll keep going as long as he can."
Lee's friend and former colleague Andrew Thornton, who has over 1,000 wins himself, is one of the event's organizers and is glad the race will bear Lee's name on September 15.
He said, "Achieving 2,000 wins in both codes is remarkable.
"What happened is very sad, but we're all supporting him and doing whatever we can.
"The event supports the National Racing College, the Injured Jockeys Fund, and Jack Berry House. Graham benefits from this and gave us his blessing to name the race after him this year.
"Graham was always professional. After a nasty accident at Huntingdon, he decided to switch from jumps to Flat racing.
"He's a great character and friend. It's tough for him now, but we'll do what we can.
"Every jockey rides by the grace of God. Sadly, accidents happen, and you must make the best of it when they do.
"It's a journey for the entire family, one they never expected. Life gets turned upside down, but we all rally around to help and keep spirits up."
About the notable participants in this year's Leger Legends race on Town Moor, Thornton added, "We have past winners like Sammy-Jo Bell and Brian Harding, and Meg Nicholls is back in the silks.
"Gerald Mosse from France, Tom Scudamore, and Richard 'Dickie' Johnson are also competing. An Irish contingent including Mark Enright, Bryan Cooper, and Grand National-winning rider David Mullins will be joining as well."
