ITV viewers were ‘stopped in their tracks’ as racing commentator Richard Hoiles delivered an incredibly moving speech in support of tragic colleague John Hunt.
The BBC star’s wife and two daughters were ‘murdered’ at their home on Tuesday.
Carol Hunt, 61, and daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28, were allegedly tied up before being shot in Bushey, Hertfordshire.
Jockeys all over Britain wore black armbands and a minute’s silence was held at every meeting as the sport tried to come to terms with the horror that has unfolded.
Hunt’s co-commentator Hoiles did his best to sum up just how devastated the whole sport is for 5Live race caller Hunt.
A much-loved and popular figure in racing, Hunt’s talent behind the mic, especially in calling the Grand National, has been called ‘commentary at its finest’.
Delivering his own heartbreaking speech, Hoiles said: “It’s impossible to rationalise such a heinous, pointless and terrible act in modern-day society.
“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 and 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.
“There’s 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 folklore that after our shindig at Christmas, 20-odd years ago, we’d all retire to the local pub and out would come John’s wallet with picture of the girls at primary school, who he’d share with random bar staff and anybody else who would 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 had been cruelly snatched away from one of mine and many in the press room’s greatest friends.
“Words just seem hollow and inadequate in such circumstances.
“But 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.”
Viewers praised Hoiles’ composure at an unimaginably difficult time for all those who know Hunt.
One watching on TV said they were ‘stopped in their tracks’ as Hoiles spoke, while another added: “Those of us who know him will understand why @RichardHoiles is hurting with every word- understandably so. Huge lump in my throat.”
While three-time champion Flat jockey Oisin Murphy said after a winner at Newmarket: “To John Hunt and all his family and friends, we’re very sorry for what happened. We’re thinking about you.”
BBC presenter Mark Chapman choked up live on air last night as he sent his own message of support to his colleague.
Triple murder suspect Kyle Clifford, 26, was captured by cops yesterday evening after the horror on Ashlyn Close sparked a national manhunt.
Dramatic footage showed officers closing in on the alleged crossbow killer at Lavender Hill cemetery in Enfield, North London.
He was stretchered to an ambulance and remains in “a major trauma hospital” with self-inflicted wounds.
Clifford is in a “serious condition” and has not yet spoken to police, it was confirmed this afternoon.
