It is with our deepest sympathy that we have to announce the sad passing of Christopher Hudson who passed away after a short illness, in hospital with his wife Lizzy by his side.
Chris was a third‑generation bookmaker trading proudly under the long‑established name of George Yates. He took enormous pride in being able to continue a family lineage that stretched back through his grandfather and great‑grandfather, and he carried that heritage with a sense of duty as well as affection. For Chris, bookmaking was a craft, a community, and a responsibility handed down through generations.
Chris was widely known across racecourses and served for many years as President and Chairman of the BRBA. He embodied the operator‑voice tradition and his role in the modern on-course sector was influential, as he was able to combine day-to-day bookmaking with decades of political and organisational leadership. He built and maintained a network of contacts across the racing industry – racecourses, regulators, MPs, the sporting press, and fellow bookmakers – and he used those relationships to support his bookmaker colleagues. He was also one of the people who helped establish UCORB and later served on its Board.
For all his political involvement Chris never stopped being a bookmaker. He understood the pressures, the realities, and the pride of the job. He represented the trade with honesty, good humour, and a genuine desire to leave things better than he found them. His loss is felt across the industry, and his contribution will be remembered for many years to come.
The funeral we be held on Wednesday 15th April 14.30 at St Mary's Church, Kirkgate, Thirsk, Y07 1PR
Following the service everyone is warmly invited for refreshments at The Chestnut room, Thirsk Racecourse.
Please acknowledge if you are able to attend. lizforster242@gmail.com
Rest in peace