Joe Saumarez Smith, former Chair of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), has passed away at the age of 53. Confirming the news, BHA issued a press release, stating that Smit died at home surrounded by his family. His wife, Wanda, and their children expressed gratitude for the messages of support they have received since his cancer diagnosis in June 2023 and his decision to step down as BHA Chair on January 30 due to declining health. The family members have requested privacy during this difficult time.
Saumarez Smith was a passionate and dedicated figure in British racing, known for his diplomatic approach to promoting the sport both domestically and internationally. Acting BHA Chief Executive Brant Dunshea paid tribute to him, describing him as a source of “wise counsel and tremendous support” and acknowledging his commitment to advocating for Britain’s racing interests globally. Interim BHA Chair David Jones echoed these sentiments, calling him “a great friend of racing” and highlighting his deep knowledge of the industry.
Having joined the BHA as a non-executive director in December 2014, Saumarez Smith was appointed Chair in March 2022, with his term later extended until June 2025. Over the past decade, he became one of the most influential figures in British racing, playing a crucial role in strengthening ties between the racing and betting industries and offering authoritative guidance to the government, particularly in his engagement with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
As BHA Chair, he oversaw a significant restructuring of the industry’s governance model, aiming to create a more sustainable and dynamic future for the sport. He also championed advancements in horse welfare, exemplified by initiatives like the BHA’s HorsePWR campaign, and played a key role in improving industry workforce conditions through the creation of the Horseracing People Board (HIPB). Additionally, he was a strong supporter of the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards.
Prior to leading the BHA, Saumarez Smith chaired British racing’s Gambling Strategy Group and was instrumental in shaping policies related to gambling and the Horserace Betting Levy. Despite his diagnosis of stage four inoperable lung cancer, he remained an active presence in British racing, frequently attending racecourses and undertaking international travel to promote the sport, reinforcing its status as a key avenue for inward investment and a significant diplomatic asset for the UK.
His passion for horseracing was sparked at the age of eight when his math teacher used betting odds to teach fractions. He attended his first race meeting at Sandown Park at 12 and later embarked on a distinguished career in racing media, contributing to publications such as the Racing Post, Financial Times, The Times, The Telegraph, and Bloomberg. Throughout his career, he remained a strong advocate for individuals across all levels of the racing industry.
The esteem in which he was held was reflected in nominations for honours in the Birthday and New Year Honours Lists. Conservative peer Lord Herbert of South Downs CBE praised Saumarez Smith’s unwavering commitment to the BHA despite the immense personal toll of his illness. Sir Francis Brooke, Chair of Ascot Authority Ltd, described him as “an outstanding international ambassador for British racing.”
According to BHA, the details of Smith’s memorial arrangements will be announced in due course.
