Tributes paid to Nigel Elwes, the 'father of modern charity Racing Welfare'

Nigel Elwes, a successful owner-breeder who held numerous high-profile roles in the sport and was hailed as "the father of Racing Welfare", has died at the age of 80.

He retired from a successful career in the City of London at 50, having acquired a string of directorships and membership of the Stock Exchange Council.

Elwes became a farmer and breeder and served on the council of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association, of which he was chairman from 1995 to 2003.

He also chaired the British Racing School for eight years and was a founding trustee of Racing Welfare as well as a trustee of the British European Breeders Fund.

He was a member of the race committees at Kempton and Sandown and a director of the BHB, and was awarded a CBE for services to the racing industry in 2008.

Elwes and his wife Carolyn ran a breeding operation at Aylesfield Farms Stud at Kington Magna in Dorset and also had several good horses race in their colours, notably Group 3 winner Simona and Listed winners First Fantasy, Green Room, Santa Sophia and Wandering Star.

Pat Eddery wins the Lingfield Oaks Trial for Nigel and Carolyn Elwes on Santa SophiaCredit: Gerry Cranham

Their racing colours were green tartan and yellow cap, inherited from Carolyn's father Sir Robin McAlpine.

Elwes' impact on the sport was summed up by Racing Welfare chief executive Dawn Goodfellow, who said: "It's fair to say that Nigel was the father of the modern charity that Racing Welfare is today.

"If you look at his charity work, Racing Welfare, the British Racing School and the TBA, he did a huge amount of good for the industry, giving so much time and energy. He really gave back in a way that is quite rare to see."

Dawn Goodfellow: 'He really gave back in a way that is quite rare to see'Credit: Edward Whitaker

James Fanshawe trained for Elwes and said: "Nigel and Carolyn were long-term supporters of the yard and the best horse they had was Wandering Star, who won the Atalanta Stakes at Sandown.

"He loved life and he loved racing, he was always ultra-enthusiastic and he put an awful lot back into racing.

"He was quite a character and he was very proud of his TBA jacket, which he said could be interpreted as 'To Be Avoided'!"

James Fanshawe: 'He was quite a character'Credit: Edward Whitaker

Phil White, the Jockey Club's London regional director who worked with Elwes at Kempton, said: "We are all incredibly saddened to hear of Nigel's passing. He was a kind, caring and considerate man who had time for everyone at the racecourse, regardless of their role or how busy he was.

"I know that everyone at Kempton Park, Sandown Park and Racing Welfare benefited hugely from his immense racing knowledge and his unique and carefully considered perspective on so many topics.

"Nigel will be remembered fondly as someone whose passion and dedication to our sport shone through at all times but mostly as one of the nicest people you could wish to meet.

"Our thoughts go to his family and friends and all those who will miss seeing him on a racecourse."

Elwes and his wife retired to Alton in Hampshire in 2016 and a notice in the Daily Telegraph reported that he died peacefully at home. He is survived by Carolyn, who has recently retired as a racecourse steward, and children Serena, Andrew and Melisa.

There will be a private family funeral, with a service of thanksgiving to be held in the spring. Donations, if desired, should go to Racing Welfare.

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