WELL known racing personality Basil Bartlett has passed away. Basil was chairman of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) and chairman of the TBA's marketing division, Bloodstock South Africa.

In addition, he served as a director on the boards of Racing South Africa and the SA Equine Trade Council and represented the TBA on the board of the National Horseracing Authority and Equine Research Centre.

"It is with profound regret that I report on the sad passing of Basil Bartlett whilst on holiday in the Eastern Cape. Details of his death are not well known at this stage, but is it believed that Basil got into difficulties whilst swimming off the coast at Hagga Hagga," said Peter Gibson, CEO of Racing South Africa.

In his private capacity Basil qualified as a chartered accountant. He was managing director of B&E Properties, a leading property development company in Port Elizabeth, and owner of the successful Danika Stud with his wife Nicky. He leaves behind three daughters.

Basil was a thoughtful and thoroughly reliable person and although a relative newcomer to the horseracing industry brought an investigative and commercial focus to his various roles in the industry. He will be greatly missed by all who worked with him.