Racing boss Joe Saumarez Smith dies ‘surrounded by family’ aged 53 just days after resigning from top role

RACING is mourning the loss of one of its biggest figures after the death of Joe Saumarez Smith aged 53.

The former British Horseracing Authority Chair sadly passed away just days after stepping down from his role.

The beloved husband and dad-of-two was diagnosed with cancer in June 2023 and died at home surrounded by his family.

It was confirmed last month that Saumarez Smith was suffering from a 'rare' cancer that had spread to his brain.

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."

Interim BHA Chair David Jones said racing had lost a 'great friend'.

He 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."

Saumarez Smith  joined the BHA in December 2014 as a non-executive director.

In March 2022, he was appointed the BHA Chair and in December 2022 his term was extended until June 2025.

A lifelong lover of racing, he opened his first account with a bookie aged just 12 after seeing racing live for the first time at Sandown Park.

His love for a punt was fostered at school, where his teacher taught fractions using odds.

There was an outpouring of love for Saumarez Smith and the family he leaves behind on social media after his death was confirmed.

ITV Racing presenter Oli Bell was among them, writing: "Joe was a proper gentleman.

"Kind, thoughtful, funny, 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 x."

While Baroness Dido Harding, Senior Steward at The Jockey Club, said: "RIP Joe. Racing will miss you hugely.";