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John McCririck dead: Horse racing mourns after death of broadcast legend

John McCririck died in hospital on Friday morning at the age of 79 after a period of ill health, his family confirmed

The world of horse racing is in mourning following the death of legendary broadcaster John McCririck at the age of 79.

McCririck's family confirmed the news on Friday morning, stating that he had died in hospital after a period of ill health.

Born in Surbiton, Surrey, he worked variously as a waiter, bookmaker and as an award-winning journalist before initially joining ITV Sport's racing coverage in 1981.

A larger than life character known for his outlandish dress sense, McCririck's became the face of Channel 4 Racing in the mid-80s and emerged as one of the sport's most recognisable figures, enjoying a 30-plus year career as a pundit and presenter.

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McCririck at Goodwood Racecourse in 2008(Image: PA)

Twenty-time champion jockey Tony McCoy paid tribute to McCririck on social media, declaring: "Very sad to hear the news of John McCririck's passing - one of the most recognisable faces from the world of horse racing and a great at promoting our sport.

"Our thoughts are with Jenny."

The British Horse Racing Authority added: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of John McCririck.

"Throughout a lengthy & colourful career one thing was always clearhis enduring passion & love for the sport of horseracing.

"He was a recognisable figure & resonated with the wider public. Our condolences go to his family."

McCririck was dropped by Channel 4 Racing in 2012, and, in typically-outspoken style, launched a stinging attack on their decision and declared himself both "unemployable" and "a pariah".

"According to Channel 4 , I'm being sacked after audience research," said McCririck. "Yes, I do antagonise people, as reactions to being twice in the Celebrity Big Brother house and also on Coach Trip prove.

"Yet, as Clare Balding, a terrific choice to lead the new young team, said recently, I've become the face of racing alongside Frankie Dettori and now of course Clare herself."

Im now unemployable because of whats happened here. My ability is unimpaired, my merit is unimpaired. Its not as if they [Channel 4] brought other people in who are better than I am.

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John McCririck during his pomp

[John McCririck was a loud, brash, maverick pioneer who horse racing will miss]

OPINION

A well known supporter of both Newcastle United and Coventry City, in recent years he appeared on numerous occasions on At The Races.

His former colleague, Jim McGrath declared: "He was a legend and one of the few people who transcended racing."

Racing TV's Nick Luck added: "Life without John McCririck will be far less interesting - he was a magnificent journalist first and a great showman.

"So often very kind to me and many, many others. Thinking of Jenny today x".

Sky Sports' presenter Alex Hammond stated: "Dreadfully sad to hear of the passing of John McCririck. We had many fond times working together & he was one of a kind. A true journalist with a strong work ethic. Love to Jenny & his friends & family."

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However, public appearances became increasingly infrequent in recent times, as he endured a number of serious illness battles, leading to dramatic weight loss.

His final public appearance came on This Morning in 2018, when he spoke of 'losing purpose' after his Channel 4 exit.

"When I was sacked by Channel 4 racing in 2012... you feel depressed. You lose a purpose in life. I wake up now in the morning and what have I got to do?

"I worked every day for over 50 years. I've never been late for a job, I've never missed a day's work ever. And work comes first as you can't support your family if you're not working."

McCririck is survived by his wife Jenny, whom he married in 1971.

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