Members of the industry have paid tribute to Paul Darling OBE who died suddenly at age 64 last week. He was the chairperson of the UK Horserace Betting Levy Board.
Darling was the non-executive chairman of the HBLB as of April 2020. He was a member of the GB Racing’s Funding Body between 2008 and 2014 before this.
Darling, in addition to his work with the HBLB was a board member of Tote and the chair of the Association of British Bookmakers. He was also the chairperson of Sports Grounds Safety Authority. In 2015, Darling was given an OBE for his services in promoting safety on sports grounds.
Darling also worked as a lawyer outside of the construction industry. He has been Kings Counsel since 2017, and a specialist in energy, construction and procurement. For almost two decades, he was also a member of The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple. This society calls its members to be barristers within the English legal system.
Darling also served as the director of Darling’s Pharmacy – a family run business that spans four stores.
The HBLB stated that “His death will leave a void in everyone’s lives at the Levy Board.” We will all miss him, but we will also remember the love he had for racing as well as the many things he has done for the Levy Board over the years.
Our thoughts go out to his family, and especially his wife Camilla.
Darling is remembered by the Betting and Gaming Council.
Senior management at the Betting and Gaming Council, BGC (BGC), has paid tribute to Darling.
BGC chairman Michael Dugher called Darling a “powerful, progressive force” in British horseracing. He continued: “Such a brilliant person but also such a great companion and fun.” “I will always remember a wise, warm old man who was a bear.”
BGC CEO Grainne Hurst said: “Paul is a gambling expert who was both legal and practical when it comes to regulation. He was a steadfast pillar of our industry.” Reliable, knowledgeable and principled, with a good sense of humor. “He will be missed by all who have ever worked with.
Darling’s death “Desperately Sad News”
Darling was also remembered fondly by several BGC members following his death. Simon Clare said that his death is “dreadfully sad news”.
Clare stated that Paul was “a character larger than life, with a lot of energy, positivity and fun. He also contributed to British racing in a very intelligent and passionate way.” He will be missed.
Greg Knight, JenningsBet’s managing director said Darling was the ABB leader “throughout a turbulent & challenging time. He often fought against the tide and always engaged and calm”.
“Throughout his career, he always wanted to fight for smaller operators. He cared deeply about the people who worked on the front lines in shops. “He was an important figure both in the bookmaking and racing industries, and will be missed.”
Malcolm George, the former CEO of ABB said, “Paul gave freely of his intellect and time in his role as ABB Chairman to support an industry he loved and sports that he enjoyed. Above all else, I’ll remember the genuine and deep kindness he showed me, our team at ABB and to its members.
“I am honoured to be able to refer to Paul as a close friend. I will miss Paul.”
iGB wishes to express its deepest condolences for the loss of Paul Darling and to all who knew or worked with him.
