Louis Romanet Dies At 78
Louis Romanet, former chairman of the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities, has died. Also a past director of France Galop, he was 78.
Romanet’s family has a long association with French racing, leading the French racing institution from 1907-2007. First the Société d’Encouragement, responsible for Flat racing, where his great-uncle Maurice, his grandfather René and his father Jean succeeded one another. In 1995, Louis helmed France Galop, which integrated Flat and jumps racing under a single umbrella until he retired from his post in 2007.
He joined the Société d’Encouragement in 1968 to bring in computer technology, and rose through the ranks to become its managing director in 1986 following the retirement of his father, Jean. Romanet served as president of the IFHA from its creation in 1994 until 2021.
One of the foremost authorities in international racing, Romanet contributed to the work of numerous racing organisations and promoted the French model on the global stage. Those who knew him remember him as a consummate expert in all areas of the industry, with a deep knowledge of its sporting, economic, social and political dimensions.
Guillaume de Saint-Seine, president de France Galop, said, “With the passing of Louis Romanet, the French racing industry loses one of its great figures. Through his commitment, his unparalleled knowledge of our industry and his family’s century-long dedication to the governance of racing, he has left a lasting imprint on the history of France Galop. His vision extended to the international stage through his work with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), which played a key role in showcasing French excellence beyond our borders. Personally, and on behalf of the entire institution and everyone at France Galop, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, chair of the IFHA, said, “Louis Romanet 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, and he was the most respected and globally recognized figure in international racing for decades. He was a friend to all, a passionate and caring leader, and a mentor to many across our industry. He will be missed dearly, and his legacy will endure throughout the worldwide racing community he worked so tirelessly to unite.”
Added Jim Gagliano, President and Chairman of the U.S. Jockey Club, “Louis Romanet was a true champion of international Thoroughbred racing, and he was instrumental in advancing global doping control, integrity, and international cooperation while promoting the development of racing and breeding worldwide. He was deeply engaged with the U.S. racing community, addressing The Jockey Club Round Table Conference in Saratoga in 1997 and again in 2009, and we are grateful for his enduring contributions. I was proud to serve alongside him as a vice chair of the IFHA and to count him as a valued colleague and a dear friend. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and all who were inspired by his leadership. He’ll be greatly missed.