ITV Racing commentator’s moving tribute to John Hunt after ‘heinous act’

“I’ve known John for 30 years, we started out together. And during that time he has become one of the most respected and liked members of the press room.

“Respected because of his fantastic ability, not just in racing but in other sports such as swimming for the BBC at the Olympics And liked because of his easy going personality, good sense of humour.

“He is excellent company. And if you spend even a few moments in his company, the odds are that the talk will turn to family.”

Media colleagues were joined by jockeys., wearing black armbands, to observe a minute’s silence for the Hunt family before racing Newmarket on Thursday.

Holies continued: “There are plenty of people in the press room, I have no idea of their family, but we all felt we knew Carol and the girls, possibly far better than we actually did.

“It was a bit of folklore that after our annual shindig at Christmas, twenty-odd years ago, we’d all retire to the local pub and out would come John’s wallet with pictures of the girls at primary school who he’d share with random bar staff and anyone else who’d care to listen.

“In the helter skelter of modern day life it’s quite easy to lose track of the things we hold dear. But John never has.

“I know I hugged my kids tighter last night on leaving for here knowing that that simple pleasure has been cruelly snatched away from one of mine and many in the press room’s greatest friends.

“Words seem hollow and inadequate in such circumstances and all we can try and do is provide some crumb of comfort by trying to exhibit the warmth and respect in which John and his family is held as will be shown by the many tributes that will be held up and down the country today and also here.”