Mark Lewis
CHAMPION driver Chris Lewis has paid tribute to his son Mark, who died suddenly earlier this week.
Mark Lewis, who was just 43, lived a largely behind the scenes life in Australia, but shot to prominence during a stint in the US in the early 2000s.
Remarkably, he became what was then the youngest driver to win a race at the famed Meadowlands track in New Jersey when he was just 19 years of age. That was in February 2000 with a horse called Lord Marques.
Lewis drove 245 winners in the US and trained 61 winners during his stint over there, too.
He drove his first Australian winner at Pinjarra aboard Kurt Hanover on January 5, 1998.
Chris Lewis, one of Australia’s most decorated drivers, described his son as “a true horseman with exceptional knowledge and instinct.”
He added: “Your bond with horses was beyond words, and deeply rooted in compassion and understanding.”
Lewis had been working closely with his family, especially mother Debra, preparing the family’s horses.
His close friend, another driving great Gary Hall Jr, waved to the sky as a tribute to Mark on one his winning drives at Gloucester Park last night.
“That meant a lot to us,” Lewis’ sister Nicole said.
Chris, Debra and Nicole, posted a beautiful tribute. It read:
“You were loyal, kind and generous to all who knew you well, leaving a legacy of friendship, warmth and quiet strength that resonated more profoundly than words ever could.
“Your memory will live on in the lives you touched.
“Our hearts are shattered, and we are left wondering how to move forward without you.
“The pain is unbearable, the silence overwhelming. Nothing feels right without you here.
“We feel the void you’ve left in every aspect of your lives, and it hurts more than words can express.
“Mark, we will miss you every moment, and love you for all our days.”
PHOTO: Lewis family
