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Ian Robert (Dick) Lee is being remembered for his dedication to and incredible achievements in harness racing following his passing on Monday, September 30.

The prolific Group 1-winning trainer and driver died at age 89 with wife Jean by his side after a long battle with illness.

The winner of the 2017 Gordon Rothacker Medal and Victorian Harness Racing Hall of Fame member was regarded as an international and trotting pioneer, outstanding administrator, tireless volunteer and successful breeder and owner.

He enjoyed a long and rewarding career in the sport, driving winners well into his 80s.

"He trained his last winner when he was 80 and then he sort of gave up training at 82," Jean said.

Lee trained all over the world, including Germany, Holland and New Zealand.

"The places he had been and raced abroad and his trips to New Zealand was so special," she said.

Lee's training and driving produced, among others:

Bendigo and Melbourne Pacing Cups winner RhodoniteAustralian Trotters of the Year Hampdens Pride and Game EbonyV L Dullard Cup winners Glenfield Girl and Game EbonyRufus Youngblood, whose racing career included 32 wins, 23 seconds and 18 thirds from 139 starts, the first Australian-bred horse to win four Derbies and Australian Horse of the Year in 1987.

Lee's love for the squaregaiter saw him serve as the president of the Victorian Square Trotters Association for 12 years.

"He was so devoted to the square trotter. Even though we had some good pacers like Rufus Youngblood, the trotter was his love," Jean said.

"He invented the Redwood at Maryborough. It grew from two or three races on a Sunday to a weekend meeting. His greatest achievement in his eyes was the Redwood Classic."

Lee would often give a word of advice to the next crop of stars coming through to help them on their journey.

"There were so many youngsters, and even older trainers over the years, who would be on the phone to him or bring their horses to Dick to look at and find out what their problems were," she said.

"He was a very devoted man to the game and was very sociable."

Harness Racing Victoria sends its sincere condolences to Lee's family and friends.

The Funeral of Mr. Dick Lee will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Gellibrand Street, Colac on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 with Prayers commencing at 1pm.

In accordance with Dick's wishes, a private cremation will be held.