jockey sam lee has died at the age of 27. The death has sent shock through the point-to-point and British racing communities, prompting immediate tributes and statements of condolence. Officials and trainers highlighted his successes under Rules and at point-to-point level while organisers set plans for on-course tributes.
Key facts and racing record
jockey sam lee, 27, secured four victories under Rules during his career. His most notable triumph came when Phil Middleton-trained Golan Fortune won a Listed handicap hurdle at Cheltenham in November 2019. Lee enjoyed considerable success in point-to-point racing and rode for trainers including Francesca Poste and Claire Hart.
In one recent highlight, jockey sam lee helped Claire Hart return to the winners’ enclosure when Samtara triumphed at Mollington in May 2025, the trainer’s first win in 1, 611 days. Those details define the public record of his achievements as provided by his contemporaries and racing authorities.
Jockey Sam Lee: Reactions from racing bodies and colleagues
The Injured Jockeys Fund and the Point-To-Point Authority said: “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. This weekend’s point-to-point race meetings will be holding a minute’s silence ahead of racing in memory of Sam. “
BHA chief executive Brant Dunshea commented: “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. “
Trainers Francesca Poste and her husband Charlie, a former National Hunt jockey, paid tribute on the Station Yard Racing Facebook page: “Sam you had become a huge part of our team over the last 6 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. ” For many who knew him personally, jockey sam lee was that larger-than-life figure.
Quick context
jockey sam lee combined a small but notable record under Rules with a profile across the point-to-point scene. His Cheltenham success on Golan Fortune in November 2019 stands out among his four Rules victories and his recent work with established point-to-point trainers.
What’s next
Point-to-point meetings scheduled for the coming weekend will hold a minute’s silence ahead of racing in memory of Sam, and the BHA has highlighted the availability of welfare services for those affected. Trainers and colleagues have already begun posting tributes and sharing memories of jockey sam lee as the sport moves to mark his passing.
jockey sam lee’s death has left colleagues and racing bodies arranging tributes and offering support to family, friends and the wider racing community.
