ITV racing’s Richard Hoiles fights back tears paying tribute to John Hunt’s murdered family

ITV racing commentator Richard Hoiles fought back the tears with a brave, emotional tribute to his colleague John Hunt whose wife and two daughters were murdered on Wednesday.

Suspect Kyle Clifford, 26, is in hospital after being found injured during Wednesday’s manhunt for the alleged killer.

Carol Hunt, 61, the wife of BBC 5 Live racing commentator John Hunt, was killed alongside her two daughters Hannah, 28 and Louise, 25, during an incident in the quiet cul-de-sac of Ashlyn Close in Bushey, Hertfordshire, just after 7pm on Tuesday.

The world of racing and sport at large has united to rally around the popular Hunt who has also been a staple part of the BBC’s Olympic coverage over the course of a distinguished career.

Hoiles, a long-time colleague of Hunt’s, speaking from this afternoon’s meet at Newmarket, said: ‘It’s impossible to rationalise such a pointless, terrible and heinous act in modern day society.

‘I’ve known John for 30 years, we’ve started out together and during that time he’s become one of the most liked and respected 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 in the Olympics.

‘And liked because of his easy going personality, he is excellent company. If you spend even a moment in his company the odds are the talk will turn to family.’

Remarkably managing to keep his composure, Hoiles added: ‘There’s plenty of people in the press room, I have no idea of their family but we all felt we knew Carole and the girls possibly far better than we actually did.

‘There was a bit of folklore that after our annual shindig at Christmas 20 odd years ago we’d all retired to the local pub and out would come pictures from John’s wallet of the girls at primary school who he’d share with random bar staff and anyone else who would care to listen.

‘In the helter skelter of modern 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 leaving for here, knowing that that simple pleasure has been cruelly snatched away from one of mine and many in the press rooms greatest friends.

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