Mr. Louis Romanet, one of the most influential figures in international horse racing and Chairman Emeritus of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), passed away on 4 March at the age of 78.
Throughout his life, Romanet’s career was devoted to advancing the sport. He dedicated himself to the development of horse racing in France and around the world, holding numerous leadership roles and helping shape the modern global racing landscape.
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.”
Upon the creation of the IFHA in 1994, Romanet became its first Chairman, a position he held for more than 25 years. During his tenure, the IFHA evolved into the leading global forum for cooperation among racing authorities. Under his leadership, international racing experienced significant growth, including increased trade in bloodstock, the expansion of simulcasting and betting markets, and greater harmonization of racing rules across jurisdictions.
Romanet was instrumental in building the organizational structure that supports international cooperation in racing today. He brought together leading experts from around the world and oversaw the creation or development of numerous IFHA committees, including the International Movement of Horses Committee, the International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee, the Technical Advisory Committee, the Horse Welfare Committee, the Committee for the Harmonization of Raceday Rules, the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings Committee, and the International Conference for the Health, Safety and Welfare of Jockeys. He also strongly supported the work of existing bodies such as the Advisory Council on Equine Prohibited Substances and Practices and the International Stud Book Committee.
A passionate advocate for integrity and welfare in sport, Romanet consistently championed issues related to doping control and the health, safety, and welfare of both horses and riders. He frequently represented international racing at national and regional forums, helping advance initiatives important to the broader equestrian and racing communities.
He was a leading proponent of strong and harmonized doping control in international racing, emphasizing that horses should compete only when free from the influence of medication or prohibited substances. He was also instrumental in advancing the IFHA Reference Laboratories program, which helps ensure that major races are supported by laboratories reviewed by the IFHA and assessed against key standards, including resourcing, accreditation, research activity, and the capability to detect major doping agents.
Romanet also played a key role in strengthening racing’s global partnerships. He was the driving force behind the IFHA’s landmark sponsorship agreement with Longines, which helped promote the work of the Federation and international racing worldwide. In the context of this partnership, Longines and the IFHA created the prestigious Longines World’s Best Racehorse, Longines World’s Best Horse Race, and Longines World’s Best Jockey awards as a way to celebrate, recognize, and elevate champions of the sport on an international scale.
Additionally, Romanet worked to expand cooperation beyond racing, helping secure IFHA affiliation with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and fostering collaboration with the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) through the creation of the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC).
As part of his legacy, Romanet also led the review that established the IFHA’s current structure, strengthening its governance and operational framework. Building on his role in the Federation’s founding and development, the review reinforced regional representation and cooperation among racing authorities worldwide, and it brought together leading racing executives to guide the sport on key international issues. Romanet viewed this work as an essential contribution to ensuring the IFHA’s long-term effectiveness and the continued success of global racing.
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 his time leading the IFHA, Romanet was initially a leading figure in French racing. He came from a distinguished racing family and became the fourth member across three generations to work for the Société d’Encouragement, joining the organization in 1968. Over the ensuing decades, he held a number of 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.
Romanet’s contributions to the racing industry have been widely recognized across the globe. In 2009, he was appointed Officer of the Legion of Honor in France. His other honors include the Derby Award from the British Association of the Racing Press, the Gold Medal of The Jockey Club in the United States, a Special Sovereign Award from the Jockey Club of Canada, the Gold Medal of the Direktorium für Vollblutzucht und Rennen in Germany, and Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.
