The British Horseracing Authority has announced the death of its former chair Joe Saumarez Smith.

Saumarez Smith, who was diagnosed with cancer in June 2023, stood down from his role with the sport’s governing body at the end of January due to his deteriorating health.

In a statement, the BHA said: “It is with great sadness that the British Horseracing Authority can today confirm the death of our former chair and friend Joe Saumarez Smith.

“Joe, who was 53, died at home today surrounded by his family. Our thoughts and prayers – and we are sure those of everyone involved in our sport – are with Joe’s family and friends.

“He will be hugely missed by us all.”

The statement continued: “His wife Wanda and their children have asked us to pass on their deep thanks for all the messages of support they have received since Joe was first diagnosed with cancer in June 2023 and especially since he stepped down as BHA chair on January 30 when his health worsened.

“They have asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.

“Throughout a long and distinguished career in racing Joe was a passionate and dedicated supporter of the sport, combining that drive with great diplomatic skills to promote racing at home and abroad.”

Senior independent director David Jones assumed the role of interim chair after Saumarez Smith stepped down last month, with Lord Charles Allen assuming the role on June 1.

Jones described Saumarez Smith as “not just a personal friend to many of us but a great friend of racing”, adding: “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.”

The BHA’s acting chief executive, Brant Dunshea, added: “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.”

Baroness Dido Harding, senior steward of the Jockey Club, was among many to pay tribute to Saumarez Smith’s contribution to racing.

She said: “All of us at the Jockey Club are extremely saddened to learn of Joe Saumarez Smith’s death and our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at the British Horseracing Authority.

“Joe made a huge contribution to racing, not only as chair of the BHA but as a fan and powerful advocate over many, many years. Such was his commitment and dedication to the sport that he clearly loved so much, he was chairing meetings, attending events and looking for solutions that brought the sport together throughout his illness.

“Racing owes so much to Joe. We have all benefited hugely from his breadth of knowledge, experience and leadership, while many of us can also consider ourselves fortunate to have enjoyed his company on so many occasions. We and the wider racing family will miss him greatly.”

Suzanne Eade, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland added: “It was an honour to have worked with and known Joe through his role as chair of the British Horseracing Authority and his involvement with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.

“Joe’s enthusiasm for the sport was there for all to see and he will be remembered as someone who had a great desire to develop racing through international cooperation.

“On a more personal level, I found Joe to be most generous with his time, kind-spirited and the best of company. I want to offer my deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.”