British Horseracing Authority Chief Executive Nic Coward said: “I first met Tristram Ricketts a year ago, having been made well aware of his great stature in British Racing. I was struck immediately not just by his complete and selfless devotion to the sport but by his warmth, humour and sense that at its heart, Racing was great fun, and that it was an enormous privilege to be involved in it.

“He was held in the highest regard throughout all sectors of Racing, the betting industry and on the international stage. The sport has today lost one of its finest ambassadors, and kindest spirits. All of our thoughts at this time are with his family.”