BLAST FROM THE PAST
DENISE BOURNE
DENISE BOURNE
Denise Bourne died suddenly on Monday after a short illness, aged 59.
The daughter of former top trainer Alf 'Ginger' Bourne, Denise was a passionate follower of harness racing who was a forthright and a sound thinker.
She drove and trained, but her interests in more recent times were breeding and racing Ernestlordrutherford, which she did in partnership with her husband, Doug Martin. Previous winners for her were Understudy and Underworld, and she had young stock by Falson Seelster, Courage Under Fire, Live Or Die and McArdle at various stages.
"She was really starting to enjoy it. We'd had three foals this season, and she had much to look forward to," Doug said.
Denise is survived by Doug and two sons.
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IN MEMORIAM - appeared in HRWeekly 13 Feb08
Thank you for taking the time to provide an obituary for Denise Bourne last week.
Although Denise had only minor success at training and driving, she remained passionate about her involvement as an owner and breeder and was immensely proud of the achievements of her father, the late Alf Bourne.
We are humbled that black armbands were worn for race nine at Forbury Park last Friday and wish to thank all the trainers, drivers and the Trackside Presenter and race commentator for the dignified manner in which they paid tribute to Denise. That the trainer, driver and Ernestlordrutherford himself combined for a tear-jerking win concluded what was obviously an emotional week for our family.
Those who knew Denise will remember her as never being afraid to have her say, and we believe her parting remarks to all participants in the industry would have been along the following lines...celebrate your wins, however minor; put the disappointments behind you, and most importantly, enjoy competing fiercely but with integrity and respect for your competitors and the rules governing the industry.
Doug Martin, Denise's sons Ross and David, brother Maurice Bourne, sister Sandra Radford and their families.
Credit: NRWeekly 7Feb08
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