Tributes have been sent for former Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) chairman Paul Darling, who passed away suddenly last week.
The HBLB said Paul was “hugely respected” and “devoted to the Levy Board, combining great ability with extraordinary enthusiasm, energy and a sense of fun.”
“His passing will leave a gap in the lives of everyone at the Levy Board,” a statement added.
“We will miss him deeply but will remember his love of racing and all that he did for the Levy Board and for the sport over many years. Our thoughts are with his family and in particular his wife Camilla.”
Darling was initially a Levy Board member from 2008 to 2014 and became chairman of the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB) in 2014 until 2019.
He left the ABB after it was succeeded by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).
BGC chair Michael Dugher said: “I was so sorry to learn of the passing of Paul Darling. Such an incredibly clever person, but always such great company and great fun.
“I will remember with much fondness a warm, wise old bear of a man. He made you think and he made you smile.
“A formidable and distinguished lawyer, a powerful and progressive force for British horseracing, and a very dear friend to many of us in the betting industry. My thoughts and prayers are with his many friends and loved ones at this terribly sad time.”
Malcom George, former CEO at the ABB, said: “In his role as Chairman, he [Darling] gave generously of his time and intellect to support an industry and the sports he loved.
“Most of all, I will remember his deep and genuine kindness to me, the ABB team and our members. I feel honoured and privileged to have been able to call Paul a friend and I will miss him.”
