Sir Johnny Weatherby, former chairman of Weatherbys, died on Thursday. He was just 66.

He was a member of the seventh generation of his family to serve the racing industry as a administrator. Weatherbys produced the first General Stud Book in 1770 and the company continues to play a huge role in the sport and industry today, both in Ireland and Britain.

A statement issued by Weatherbys on Friday expressed "deep regret" at the passing of their colleague " following a life of peerless service to horseracing."

The statement read: "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 (2011-2020), 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 was a man who 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.

"The Weatherby family has requested privacy at this time."

In Britain Weatherbys is responsible for stud book registrations and its services include producing racecards and providing pedigree research tools.

Weatherbys Ireland provides laboratory and other commercial services to the Irish equine industry.