Longtime IFHA chairman Louis Romanet dead at 78

Louis Romanet, the longtime chairman of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities with a long pedigree in racing, died on March 4 at the age of 78, according to organizations with ties to him.

Romanet, whose father, grandfather, and great-grandfather had been heavily involved in French racing, was known throughout the racing world for his wide-ranging experience in leading efforts to promote and harmonize racing international racing. He led the IFHA from its founding in 1994 until he retired in 2021, after a long career at France-Galop, the state agency that administered racing and gambling in France, and its predecessor, Societe d’Encouragement.

:: Access the most trusted data and information in horse racing! DRF Past Performances and Picks are available now.

“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,” said Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the executive officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club who succeeded Romanet at the IFHA. “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.”

A release from the IFHA credited Romanet with “helping shape the modern global racing landscape.” At the IFHA, Romanet led efforts to standardize rules and regulations, including those governing medication use and anti-doping efforts.

“Romanet consistently championed issues related to doping control and the health, safety, and welfare of both horses and riders,” the release said. “He frequently represented international racing at national and regional forums, helping advance initiatives important to the broader equestrian and racing communities.”

Romanet joined Societe d’Encouragement in 1968, and by 1986 he was made the Director General, a position previously held by his father. He held that position until 2007, simultaneous with his chairmanship of the IFHA.

“With the passing of Louis Romanet, France's racing industry loses one of its great figures,” said Guillaume de Saint-Seine, the current president of France-Galop. “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.”

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.