#2981, Simon Maxwell WEATHERBY

Simon Maxwell Weatherby, who has died aged 44, had been secretary of the Jockey Club since 1972 when he succeeded his cousin David. The family firm of Weatherby?s has given more than 200 years? service to the Turf. By long tradition a member of the family holds the position of secretary. The official title is ?Keeper of the Match Book and Secretary.?

Simon Weatherby, a nephew of Viscount Bangor, was educated at Winchester and Columbia University, Manhattan and joined the family firm in 1962. When he was appointed secretary of the Jockey Club at 34, he was the youngest member of the family to be appointed to the position.

In 1964 he married Miss Caroline McCausland, a granddaughter of the 6th Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, who survives him with two sons and a daughter.

Three months ago a film of a Jockey Club stewards? enquiry was shown on Independent Television, the first time the Jockey Club have allowed outsiders to follow proceedings. It would not have been sanctioned when he took over as secretary and is some indication of how Jockey Club attitudes have changed during his term of office.

Lord Manton, senior steward said yesterday ?Simon Weatherby possessed a first class brain allied to a keen sense of humour and a unique knowledge of the whole racing scene. Over the past six years he suffered from serious ill-health and needed major surgery which would have defeated a lesser man.?

Daily Telegraph Obituary 5th January 1983