Former chair of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Joe Saumarez Smith has died aged 53.
Saumarez Smith stepped down from his role at the end of January due to a deterioration in his health after a diagnosis of leptomeningeal metastases.
He became chair in June 2022 having previously been on the board since 2014.
Paying tribute to his colleague and friend, BHA acting chief executive Brant Dunshea said: “It has been a great privilege to have known and worked with Joe, always providing wise counsel and tremendous support to the BHA team and to me personally, and for that we will be forever grateful.
“His commitment to advocating Britain’s interests on the global stage was unwavering, and for that British racing owes him a huge debt of gratitude. We will miss him terribly.”
David Jones, the BHA’s senior independent director, is acting interim chair until Lord Charles Allen takes over the role on a permanent basis on June 1.
Jones said: “Joe’s enthusiasm for the sport shone through in everything he did. He had such a deep knowledge of all aspects of the industry and I and other board colleagues will really miss his insight.”
In a statement on Tuesday, the BHA described Saumarez Smith as “a dedicated supporter of the sport, combining that drive with great diplomatic skills to promote racing at home and abroad.”
It added: “Joe was one of the most influential and distinguished figures in British racing. Alongside his senior roles, he was a global ambassador for the sport in areas vital to the sport’s overseas interests, influence and stature.
“Joe’s drive and commitment to racing in the past two years is even more remarkable when set against his diagnosis of stage four inoperable lung cancer.
“While undergoing debilitating treatment he continued to be ever present on British racecourses and undertook a gruelling period of international travel to promote the sport overseas, ensuring that British horseracing remains one of Britain’s greatest avenues for inward investment while also acting as one of the Government’s most-effective soft power levers.”
Racing broadcaster Oli Bell paid tribute to Saumarez Smith on X, posting: “Joe was a proper gentleman. Kind, thoughtful, intelligent and a truly great friend to many. I, along with countless others, will miss him enormously. Thoughts with his wife Wanda and his dear children Matilda and Oliver. Sending them prayers and love.”
