sam lee jockey has died at the age of 27, leaving the point-to-point community in shock and mourning. He was an amateur jump jockey with four winners under Rules and recorded his biggest success when the Phil Middleton-trained Golan Fortune won a Listed handicap hurdle at Cheltenham in November 2019. The Injured Jockeys Fund and the Point-To-Point Authority issued a joint statement that the point-to-point world is devastated and said this weekend’s point-to-point race meetings will hold a minute’s silence in his memory.
Sam Lee Jockey — Reactions from racing authorities and connections
Brant Dunshea, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, 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. “
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. “
Career highlights and role in point-to-point racing
sam lee jockey recorded four winners under Rules during his career and achieved his most notable success when Golan Fortune, trained by Phil Middleton, won a Listed handicap hurdle at Cheltenham in November 2019. He rode successfully on the point-to-point circuit for trainers including Francesca Poste and Claire Hart. In May 2025 he helped return Claire Hart to the winners’ enclosure when Samtara scored at Mollington, the trainer’s first success in 1, 611 days.
Francesca Poste, trainer at Station Yard Racing, and Charlie Poste, former National Hunt jockey, paid tribute for Station Yard Racing: “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. “
What happens next
Meetings on the point-to-point calendar this weekend will observe a minute’s silence before racing in memory of Sam Lee. Racing authorities have reiterated that support services are available to anyone affected by the news and have encouraged those in the sport to seek help if needed. Further arrangements relating to tributes and commemorations are expected to be announced by the organisations and connections involved in due course, as the community continues to process the sudden loss of sam lee jockey.
