Redcar Racecourse has paid tribute to Lord Zetland, describing him as “one of the most important figures in the history of the course”.
Lawrence Mark Dundas – the fourth Marquess of Zetland –died peacefully at home in North Yorkshire on Saturday, aged 88.
Known by his middle name Mark, Lord Zetland took over from his father, Lawrie, as Chairman and Managing Director of the seaside racecourse in 1981, and became known for his commitment and innovation.
He was carrying on a long family tradition because the name Zetland had been synonymous with Redcar Races from the time when races were held on the beach more than 150 years ago.
The Zetland Gold Cup, first run in 1950, continues to be one of Redcar’s most historic and prestigious races. He is pictured below, on the right, presenting the historic trophy in 2017.
However, Mark, who lived at Aske Hall, near Richmond, in North Yorkshire, is best remembered for introducing Redcar’s richest race, the Two-Year-Old Trophy, in 1989.
Other notable achievements included overseeing a major redevelopment programme, funded by selling off a piece of land at the north end of the racecourse to Safeway in 1988.
His natural charm had the effect of attracting stars to North East racecourse, including Sir Bruce Forsyth, magician Paul Daniels, and Coronation Street actress, Pat Phoenix.
Lord Zetland stepped down as Chairman at the end of the 2018 season, handing over to John Sanderson, who told The Racing Post: “The Redcar Two Year Old Trophy was his brainchild and it’s a race that’s stood the test of time. He was a charming man, very kind and very interested in everything that went on. He had no airs and graces at all.”
In an interview marking the 150th anniversary of Redcar Racecourse, in 2022, Lord Zetland said: “I had no real interest in racing, but I wanted to do my best to maintain the family tradition, so I learned quickly.
“Over time, I developed a love of horse racing, and I’m immensely proud of the part successive members of my family have played in the development of Redcar over such a long time.”
Lord Zetland, a graduate of Christ’s College, Cambridge, played a national role too as a founder director of the British Horseracing Board. He was also a Jockey Club member and former chair of the Throughbred Breeders Association council.
He was also a successful racehorse owner, winning the Scottish Borders National at Kelso with a horse called Malek in 2005.
His great-great-grandfather owned 19th century legendary Derby and St Leger winner Voltigeur.
Lord Zetland was the elder brother of pop star Lord David Dundas, who had a 1976 hit with Jeans On.
Redcar’s general manager Amy Fair described Lord Zetland as “a man of the people who was undoubtedly one of the most important figures in the history of Redcar Races”.
“We owe our richest race, The Two-Year-Old Trophy, to his vision, and he was a real gentleman who never said ‘no’ to anything that was in the interests of racegoers,” said Amy.
“He always stopped for a chat – whether it was owners, trainers, jockeys, or punters having a cuppa in the café in the Course enclosure. We owe him a so much and he will be greatly missed.”
Lord Zetland’s title now passes to his son, the Earl of Ronaldshay.
- Main picture: Lord Zetland, left, in the paddock at Redcar Races in the 1990s