The horse racing community is in mourning following the sudden death of amateur jump jockey Sam Lee at the age of 27 on Friday, March 6. Lee, who rode four winners under Rules including a Listed handicap hurdle at Cheltenham in 2019, was a hugely popular figure in point-to-point racing. Tributes have poured in from organizations, trainers, and those who knew him well.
Sam Lee, a 27-year-old amateur jump jockey, has died suddenly on Friday, March 6, leaving the point-to-point racing world devastated. Lee's most notable victory came aboard the Phil Middleton-trained Golan Fortune in a Listed handicap hurdle at Cheltenham in November 2019. He also enjoyed success in point-to-point contests, riding for trainers such as Francesca Poste and Claire Hart, notably helping Hart secure her first winner in 1,611 days when Samtara triumphed at Mollington in May 2025.
The Injured Jockeys Fund and the Point-To-Point Authority issued a joint statement: "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. 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."
British Horseracing Authority 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."
Francesca Poste and her husband Charlie, a former National Hunt jockey, shared a personal tribute on their 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."
