International Federation of Horseracing Authorities' advisor Dr. Roland Devolz has died at the age of 83, France Galop announced on Wednesday.
A veterinarian, he joined the Societe d'Encouragement pour l'Amelioration des Races de Chevaux de Courses in the early 1970s when recruited by Jean Romanet. Besides working for the Societe d'Encouragement, he was invaluable in the implementation of a modernized anti-doping control through the creation of the horse racing laboratory, based on the approach initiated by Dr. Yves Bonnaire. Also one of the greatest experts of the Stud Book, Devolz assisted in setting up medical services for jockeys within the France Galop organisation.
Upon retirement, he became the technical advisor to the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) in 1994, which was then chaired by Louis Romanet. He served for almost 30 years in the latter role, and was recognised with a gift by the IFHA chair at the 2023 IFHA General Assembly in Paris last October. Devolz was also a long-standing member of the International Horse Sports Confederation Expert Committee, and frequently shared his expertise with the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) and the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Henri Pouret, deputy CEO of France Galop, said, “Dr. Devolz has left a lasting mark on French and international horse racing by his competence, his foresight, his dedication and his absolutely unique personality. He was constantly concerned to make himself available at all times and to share his knowledge widely with the sole objective of guaranteeing the best administration of the races. He will be missed by many of us. France Galop has, in these sad circumstances, a heartfelt thought for his family and loved ones.”
He is survived by his wife, Claude and family. His funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m. at church Saint Sylvain d'Anjou on Saturday, Apr. 27, 2024.
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