The presentation was made by Alan Marzelli, president of The Jockey Club, at the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities’ (IFHA) annual meeting in Paris.

“Louis Romanet has dedicated his life to the Thoroughbred industry,” said Ogden Mills Phipps, chairman of The Jockey Club. “His numerous contributions and his accomplishments over the past four decades, on behalf of both France Galop and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, are unparalleled. On the international scene, he is one of our sport’s most widely respected ambassadors and we are honored to present him with The Jockey Club Medal.”

Romanet succeeded his father, Jean, as director general of France Galop — the Romanet family has been associated with French racing since 1907 — and he follows in his late father’s footsteps as a recipient of The Jockey Club Medal.

Jean Romanet was so honored in 1985.

Although Louis will retire as director general of France Galop, he will continue to serve as chairman of the IFHA until his fifth three-year term concludes in October 2009.