Tribute to Louis Romanet

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Louis Romanet at the age of 78.  

A prominent figure in French and international horse racing, he devoted his life to the organisation and governance of flat racing. 

His career was part of a remarkable family legacy. Over the course of one hundred years (1907-2007), three generations of the Romanet family led the French racing institution : first the Société d’encouragement, responsible for flat racing, where his great-uncle Maurice, his grandfather René and his father Jean succeeded one another; then, from 1995 onward, Louis himself took the helm of France Galop (which integrated flat and jump racing under a single umbrella) until his retirement in 2007. 

For decades, the family structured, managed and modernised racing, helping it flourish. 

He joined the Société d’Encouragement in 1968 to bring in computer technology, which was then in its infancy, and rose through the ranks to become its Managing Director in 1986 following the retirement of his father, Jean.  

Louis Romanet also put his passion for horse racing to work on the international stage. He notably served as President of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) for 27 years, from its creation in 1994 until 2021.

Over the course of his career, he established himself as one of the foremost authorities in international racing, contributing to the work of numerous racing organisations and promoting 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, remembers a leader who left an indelible mark on the institution : « 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.».