HARRY Beeby, former chairman of Doncaster Bloodstock Sales and Goffs UK, died this week. He was 83.

Son of Gold Cup-winning trainer George Beeby, he was working in London as an estate agent when, in 1964, he joined with Willie Stephenson and Ken Oliver to set up Doncaster Bloodstock Sales

In the ensuing years, DBS was responsible for several innovations including sales of shares and nominations at public auction, pre-sales show championships as well as the highly successful breeze-up sales at the start of the flat season.

Among the many outstanding racehorses he auctioned was triple Grand National winner Red Rum, which he sold for 6,000gns to Ginger McCain in 1972.

Harry was managing director of the company from 1976 to 1998, a period which saw his son his son Henry join the team in 1982. In 1998 Harry succeeded Willie Stephenson as DBS chairman and Henry became managing director.

In 2007 the Beebys successfully merged DBS with Goffs, and the Doncaster business was rebranded as Goffs UK. Harry became a director until stepping down three years ago. Henry Beeby was appointed CEO of the entire Goffs group in 2007, a position he holds today.

Goffs chairman Eimear Mulhern said: “Harry was a stalwart of the bloodstock industry for over 50 years. Greatly respected, a mentor to many, a true friend and loyal colleague, he was first and foremost a family man.

“To his beloved wife Elizabeth, his son, Goffs group CEO Henry Beeby, daughters Caroline and Belinda, and to his extended family and wide circle of friends, we offer our deepest condolences. Harry had a true zest for life. He was one of life’s gentlemen and one of the great characters of the bloodstock and racing industries. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered wherever horsemen gather.”

Goffs UK managing director Tim Kent said: “The term legend is often overused but I don’t think there is a better way of describing Harry Beeby.

“He was a great mentor to us all and he lived life to the full. He was also passionate about the sales in Doncaster and it is this passion that he has instilled in the current team. He will be sadly missed by us all.”

Harry Beeby’s funeral service will take place at St Cuthbert’s Church, Hawick, Scotland, TD9 0EN at 12.45pm on Tuesday, November 9th with burial afterwards. A celebration of Harry’s life will take place at a future date in association with a Goffs UK Sale.