JOCKEYS are wearing black armbands and a minute’s silence will be held at all meetings on Thursday following the alleged murder of BBC racing commentator John Hunt’s wife and two daughters.
A massive manhunt is underway for alleged ‘crossbow killer Kyle Clifford’, 26, as footage of a man fleeing the Hunt family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, was obtained by The Sun.
Chilling footage appeared to show a fugitive walking towards a car carrying a 3ft crossbow before climbing into a black Seat and driving off.
Carol Hunt, 61 – the wife of 5Live racing commentator John – and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28, were found inside the home suffering serious injuries.
Sadly they could not be saved after falling victim to what police called a targeted attack.
Racing has rallied round hugely popular presenter and commentator John, whose coverage of the Grand National has been called ‘commentary at its finest’.
The Sky studio host has today also been labelled ‘the most wonderful and kind human’ by those he knew in the sport.
Sun Racing’s Matt Chapman was among them, writing on X: “No words needed for what has happened to @HuntyCaller and family today. Impossible to comprehend the pain. Just know we are all here for you John. We love you pal – racing loves you.”
Jockeys are wearing black armbands for tonight’s racing and that will carry over into tomorrow, where Newmarket’s big July Festival begins.
A statement from the Professional Jockeys’ Association said: “This is an unspeakable tragedy to befall anyone, but to happen to someone as popular and beloved as John is even more heartbreaking.
“Jockeys will wear black armbands and observe a minute’s silence at race meetings tonight and tomorrow.”
While a statement from British Horseracing Authority CEO Julie Harrington read: “The thoughts of everyone at the BHA are with John Hunt, his family and friends at this shocking and tragic time.
“It is impossible to comprehend the horror that has been inflicted upon them by this dreadful event.
“John is a great friend to many in our sport and I am sure that in this time of unimaginable grief for him, the racing family will rally around as we have so many times before when one of our own is faced with great trauma.”
Hertfordshire Police confirmed Clifford, who is from Enfield in North London, may still be armed and urged anyone who sees him to call 999 immediately – as a clearer picture of who he is emerged.
They also said he may still have the crossbow and other weapons believed to have been used in the attack.
Appealing directly to Clifford today, Detective Superintendent Rob Hall from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: “Kyle, if you are seeing or hearing this please make contact with police via 999.”
Herts Police have told anyone who was in Ashlyn Close from lunchtime yesterday to come forward to call 101 quoting Op Infauna.
DSI Rob Hall said: “This is an incredibly difficult incident for the victims’ family and we would ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with what has happened.
“Whilst we are still in the early stages of this investigation, we are actively seeking Kyle Clifford who we believe could be in the areas of Hertfordshire or North London.
“Given the serious nature of the incident, I would ask anyone who knows where he is to contact police immediately.
“If you believe you see him, please do not approach him and dial 999 straight away. He may still be in possession of a weapon.”
