Amateur National Hunt jockey Sam Lee has died at the age of 27, prompting an outpouring of tributes from the racing community.
Lee, a prominent figure on the point-to-point circuit, rode four winners under rules during his career. His biggest victory came aboard Golan Fortune, winning the Listed Spinal Injuries Association Big Buck's Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham in November 2019. He later rode the same horse at the Cheltenham Festival.
A joint statement from the Injured Jockeys Fund and Point-To-Point Authority said: “The point-to-point world is devastated to hear of the sudden death of Sam Lee on Friday March 6. Our deepest sympathies go out to Sam’s family and his many friends.” They added that a minute's silence would be held at race meetings that weekend.
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.” He confirmed support services were available for those affected.
Trainers Francesca Poste and Claire Hart also paid tribute. Poste and her husband Charlie described Lee as “a larger than life character” who had become “a huge part of our team”. Lee had helped Hart secure a long-awaited win with Samtara in May 2025 after 1,611 days without a victory.
