Weatherby, whose family business Weatherbys is primarily responsible for providing race administration services to the British Horseracing Authority, succeeded his father Christopher as chairman of the company in 1993. He was the breeder of double Cheltenham Festival winner Presenting Percy and the owner of Top Wood, winner of the 2019 Foxhunters’ Chase at Aintree.
Nick Craven, executive director of Weatherbys, said in a statement: “Sir Johnny was a figure of immense stature within our sport. From his early days as an amateur jockey for David Nicholson to his transformative tenure as chairman of Weatherbys (1993-2022), and his distinguished services as Her Majesty’s representative at Ascot (2011-2020), he embodied the very best of the turf’s traditions as he propelled the industry into the modern era.
“A member of the Jockey Clubs of both Great Britain and the USA and Chairman of the International Stud Book Committee, Johnny was a global ambassador for the Thoroughbred. Yet he will be best remembered by his friends and colleagues for his energy, foresight, ambition and unwavering commitment to the integrity of the sport.
“He moved with equal ease through every corner of the racing world. His loss leaves a significant hole in the administrative and social heart of the industry.”
Weatherby joined Weatherbys in 1979 and was director of The Jockey Club (Great Britain) from 1990 to 1992. He was involved with Ascot Racecourse for more than twenty years, first as a trustee and then as chairman, and acted as Her Majesty’s representative at Ascot from 2011 to 2020.
Charles Barnett, who worked with him at Ascot from 2007 to 2015, said: ‘He was a great man and died far too young.
“I worked with him at Ascot. He was a very good person to work for; he was decisive and fair, and great fun. We had good times together. His death is a very sad loss.”
Guy Henderson, who was CEO at Ascot from 2015 to 2022, said: “A sad day. Sir Johnny has dedicated more than a quarter of a century to Ascot, alongside a lifetime of working in his family businesses within the Weatherbys group. He was committed to Ascot and was completely focused on the quality of the venue, the racing and the clientele across the spectrum who were having a great time. He was a supportive and visionary chairman and it was a privilege to serve Ascot under his chairmanship.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to his widow Sophie and his entire family.”
A statement from Ascot said: ‘We at Ascot are all deeply saddened by the news of the death of Sir Johnny Weatherby. Johnny played a hugely important role in Ascot’s history between 1997 and 2020, first as a trustee, then as chairman and as Her Majesty’s representative. Our deepest condolences go out to his entire family, but especially to Sophie, Isabella, Jack, Max and Lara.”
Jockeys at Ascot Friday and Saturday will wear black armbands as a mark of respect.
Brant Dunshea, acting CEO of the BHA, added his tribute. It read: “Everyone at the BHA was saddened to hear today of the death of Sir Johnny Weatherby and on behalf of all of us I extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends at this immensely sad time. Johnny simply loved our sport and that great passion was evident in his work across such a wide range of the industry. His love for the horses and those who worked with them was always clear to see and his loss is one that will be keenly felt.”
His loss will be felt throughout the racing world.
“Johnny Weatherby was a leading figure in the international racing and breeding community who continued a distinguished family tradition of service to the sport,” said Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, President of the International Federation of Horse Racing. “His leadership and vision were most strongly felt on the world stage through his role as chairman of the International Stud Book Committee, which was established through the International Conference of Horseracing Authorities, with his father, Christopher Weatherby, serving as the first chairman of the ISBC.”
“Johnny has served the Thoroughbred tirelessly throughout his career, most notably as Chairman of Weatherbys and as Her Majesty’s Representative at Ascot. He will be deeply missed by the international racing community, and on behalf of the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities, I extend my sincere and sincere condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.”
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