Vale Louis Romanet

It’s sad news that ‘everybody’s pal’ Louis Romanet, the Chairman Emeritus of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities passed away on 4 March, aged of 78.

“He was a friend to all, a passionate and caring leader, and a mentor across our industry,” said Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the IFHA Chair. “He legacy is throughout the racing community.”

“Louis’s career was devoted to advancing the sport and dedicated himself to the development of horse racing in France and around the world, holding numerous leadership roles.”

“In helping to shape the modern global racing landscape he also devoted his life to the advancement of horse racing and to bringing the international racing community closer together.”

“Through his vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication, he helped guide our sport into a new era of global cooperation and development.”

“Louis was a friend and mentor to me for more than 40 years,” said Winfred “and was the most respected and globally recognized figure in international racing for decades.”

In creating the IFHA in 1994 and being its first Chairman its 25 years, the IFHA evolved into the leading global forum for cooperation among racing authorities in his time.

International racing experienced significant growth with the expansion of simulcasting and betting markets, and greater harmonization of racing rules across jurisdictions.

He was instrumental in building the structure that supports international racing today, and brought together world experts to oversee the creation of many IFHA committees.

These included the Committee for International Movement of Horses, International Grading and Race Planning Advisory, Technical Advisory, Horse Welfare, Harmonization of Raceday Rules, Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, and International Conference for Jockey Health, Safety and Welfare.

Louis played a key role in racing’s global partnerships, and was behind the IFHA’s sponsorship agreement with Longines, which promote the Federation and international racing worldwide.

Longines and the IFHA created the Longines World’s Best Racehorse, Longines World’s Best Horse Race, and Longines World’s Best Jockey awards to celebrate the champions of the sport.

He led the IFHA’s current structure, strengthening its governance and operational framework, and built the Federation’s founding and development that reinforced regional representation and cooperation among racing authorities worldwide.

Following his retirement as Chairman of the IFHA in 2021, he was named Chairman Emeritus in recognition of his extraordinary service to the sport.

Prior to leading the IFHA, Louis was a leading racing figure, and was the fourth member across three generations to work for the Société d’Encouragement, joining the organization in 1968.

Over the ensuing decades, Louis Romanet held numerous key responsibilities within French racing and was appointed Director General of the Société d’Encouragement in 1986.

When France Galop was created in May 1995, he became Director of Organisation and International Affairs and later served as Director General of France Galop from 1998 until his retirement in 2007.

In 2009 he was appointed Officer of the Legion of Honor in France, and was the recipient of the Derby Award from the British Association of the Racing Press, the Gold Medal of The Jockey Club in the United States plus additional awards from Canada, Germany and Japan.