Queen Elizabeth II’s right-hand man at Royal Ascot has sadly died at the age of 66. Sir Johnny Weatherby was a legendary racing figure, as well as a close and trusted member of the late monarch’s inner circle.

In a tribute shared on social media, Weatherbys Limited shared the sad news. They wrote: “It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Sir Johnny Weatherby, who died yesterday aged 66 following a life of peerless service to Horseracing.

“Sir Johnny was a figure of immense stature within our sport, and he will be remembered most by his friends and peers for his energy, foresight, ambition and unwavering dedication to the integrity of the sport.”

Sir Johnny was knighted in 2020 and served as her Late Majesty‘s representative at the Ascot racetrack for nine years from 2011.

He was honoured at Royal Ascot in 2024 by King Charles when he was invited to ride in one of the carriages that arrive on the parade ground, alongside racehorse trainer Ralph Beckett and his wife.

The full statement from Weatherby’s continues: “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.”

It goes on to say: “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.”

Sir Johnny was just 66 years old at the time of his passing, and his cause of death remains unknown.