Tragedy Hits Racing Family - Nick Townsend reels from shock attack on John Hunt's wife and daughters

I will be far from alone in recent days in being overcome by emotions ranging from utter disbelief to revulsion upon hearing of the unspeakable acts perpetrated upon John Hunt's family, resulting in the death of his wife Carol and daughters, Hannah and Louise.
In a statement, John and his surviving daughter Amy had reflected that: "the devastation we are experiencing cannot be put into words."
There are no words to offer solace in such circumstances. But what I can do is offer an insight into a man whose eloquent tones have enlivened horseracing, football and Olympic action but who, throughout nearly four decades, always placed his family first.
In 2019, I interviewed him for The Racing Paper, at one time part of the stable that publishes Racing Ahead. In most interviews, a wife, husband or partner and children of a racing figure tend not to feature prominently. John was different.
When we'd first met, at a Horserace Writers and Photographers lunch (he had been named Broadcaster of Year an award named after the iconic figure Peter O'Sullevan at the event in 2015) by the Horserace Writers and Photographers' Association. We sat and chatted on a table at the periphery of the room, you could not ask to meet a character less inclined to court celebrity.
Denne historien er fra August 2024-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9500+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 2024-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9500+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på

SAK SAVED BEST FOR PARIS SHOW
Graham Buddry reflects on the legend who hit them for six in the Arc

RECENT WINNERS TAKE ALL IN OAKS
Andy Newton picks over some key facts and figures in the Epsom Classics

STEADFAST ON DOWNS
Richard Eagle with galloping tales from Epsom and Lambourn yards

BRED FOR SUCCESS
Ben Hastie quizzes Sophie Buckley about her family equine sport project

FROM SUPERSTORES TO CORNER SHOPS
Robert Cooper looks beyond racing's Goliaths to the plucky Davids

AIDAN'S YOUNG GUNS LOOKINGH PRIMED TO FIRE
lan Heitman offers a vital in-depth raceby-race preview of Royal Ascot

MODE'S RIGHT ON TREND FOR BILLY
Karl Hedley picks out highlights from a busy month's racing in Ireland

LOC IN FOR A QUICK THRILL
John Anthony expects lightning to strike again after Goodwood triumph

CHARLIE'S SPEECH SHOULD BE NOTED
Andy Ayres scans the paddocks for hot prospects poised to hit top form

POINTING AT CROSSROADS
it could be point of no return for a much-loved sport