The MIKE LEE HANDICAP was named in honor of the former sports editor for the Long Island Press of over 40 years. Lee was known among his colleages as an outstanding sports writer and humanitarian, and by his community for his services. As well as being a Thoroughbred racing enthusiast, he also served as the first president of the United States Harness Writers Association and president of the Brooklyn chapter of the Baseball Writers Association. In his latter years, he also served racing as a member of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board.