Amateur jockey Sam Lee dies at 27 as ‘devastated’ horse racing world pay tribute
The horse racing world is in mourning following the sudden death of amateur jockey Sam Lee.
Lee, 27, who had four victories under Rules, achieved his greatest triumph when Golan Fortune, trained by Phil Middleton, won a listed handicap hurdle at Cheltenham in November 2019. In a joint statement, the Injured Jockeys Fund and the Point-To-Point Authority confirmed his tragic death.
The statement read: “The point-to-point world is devastated to hear of the sudden death of Sam Lee. Our deepest sympathies go out to Sam’s family and his many friends. Sam was a hugely popular figure on the point-to-point scene and his tragic death is a huge shock for everyone.
(Image: Colorsport/Shutterstock)
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“This weekend’s point-to-point race meetings will be holding a minute’s silence ahead of racing in memory of Sam.”
Lee enjoyed success in point-to-point races riding for trainers including Francesca Poste and Claire Hart, whom he assisted in returning to the winners enclosure for the first time in 1,611 days, when Samtara triumphed at Mollington in May 2025.
British Horseracing Authority chief executive Brant Dunshea said: “We are all shocked and upset to hear about the death of amateur jockey Sam Lee.
“Amateur jockeys are an integral part of our sport, its community and its rich history. Every jockey, professional or amateur, will be mourning today the death of a colleague and friend, as will everyone across British racing.
“The sport has in place services to provide care and support to those close to Sam. That support is available to everyone in our sport and anyone affected by this issue is encouraged to call them. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.”
Poste and her husband Charlie, a former National Hunt jockey, offered their tribute to Lee on the Facebook page for their breaking and pre-training business, Station Yard Racing.
It stated: “Sam you had become a huge part of our team over the last six months. You were a larger than life character; you made the dull mornings seem bright. Always full of energy, immaculately turned out, and impeccably well mannered.
“You loved the horses, you were kind and generous, and most of all you wanted our team to do well. It certainly is going be a very sad place without you.”
