Obituary: Weatherby Shaped Ascot, International Racing

Sir Johnny Weatherby, a member of one of racing's most famous families, and whose many achievements in the sport included modernizing Ascot, died Dec. 18 at the age of 66. Weatherby, whose family firm Weatherbys is primarily responsible for providing racing administration services to the British Horseracing Authority, followed his father Christopher as chair of the business in 1993. He was the breeder of dual Cheltenham Festival winner Presenting Percy and the owner of Top Wood, winner of the Foxhunters' Chase at Aintree in 2019. 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 service as her majesty's representative at Ascot (2011-20), he embodied the very best of the turf's traditions while driving the industry into the modern era. "A member of The Jockey Clubs of both Britain and the USA and chairman of the International Stud Book Committee, Johnny was a global ambassador for the Thoroughbred. Yet, he will be remembered most by his friends and peers for his energy, foresight, ambition, and unwavering dedication to the integrity of the sport. "He moved with equal ease through every corner of the racing world. His loss leaves a significant gap in the administrative and social heart of the industry." Weatherby joined Weatherbys in 1979 and served as a director of The Jockey Club (Britain) from 1990-92. He was involved in Ascot Racecourse for more than 20 years, first as a trustee, and then as chairman, and acted as her majesty's representative at Ascot from 2011-20. Charles Barnett, who worked with him at Ascot during the period 2007-15, said: "He was a great man, and has 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 really good fun. We had good times together. His death is a very sad loss." Guy Henderson, who was chief executive at Ascot from 2015-22, said: "A sad day. Sir Johnny devoted over a quarter of a century to Ascot alongside a lifetime of work in his family businesses within the Weatherbys group. He was devoted to Ascot and totally focused on the quality of the venue, its racing, and its clientele across the spectrum 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 to his widow Sophie and all his family." A statement from Ascot read: "All of us at Ascot are deeply saddened by the news of Sir Johnny Weatherby's death. Johnny played an immensely important role in Ascot's history between 1997-2020, first as a trustee, then chairman and her majesty's representative. Our deepest sympathies go 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 for the BHA, added his tribute. It read: "Everyone at the BHA was saddened to learn of the death of Sir Johnny Weatherby today and on behalf of us all, I extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends at this tremendously sad time. Quite simply, Johnny loved our sport and that great passion was evident in his work across such a broad 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 towering figure in the international racing and breeding community, continuing a distinguished family tradition of service to the sport," said International Federation of Horseracing Authorities chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. "His leadership and vision were felt most strongly on the global 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 ISBC's first chairman." "Johnny served the Thoroughbred tirelessly throughout his career, 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 Horseracing Authorities, I extend my sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time."