Legendary Harness Race Caller Returns to the Commentary Box
26 May, 2017
Thoroughbred
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) is pleased to announce that iconic broadcaster John Hunt, will return to the commentary box for the upcoming Broome racing season.
John Hunt was Western Australia’s principle harness racing commentator, replacing George Grjlusich in early 1989 at Gloucester Park, and continuing through to December, 2008. Upon his retirement, Hunt was awarded a host of WA and Australian Harness Racing’s major industry service awards.
The champions whose careers Hunt helped illuminate, included Pure Steel, Satinover, San Simeon, Village Kid, Preux Chevalier, Chandon, Jack Morris, Baltic Eagle and The Falcon Strike.
When approached about making a comeback to race calling, Hunt’s reply was “to please not call it a comeback, just an old hand scratching an itch. I only want to have a visit with my past – it’ll be exciting – but it is just a visit.”
Hunt added he felt it appropriate that his comeback arena be the North West, where the fun meter would be set at high and the pressure low.
“One of the first meetings I ever called was at Broome – when I was eighteen or nineteen – and that was only because Max Simmonds arranged for me to fill in at some of the North West Round due to him being required at Belmont,” said Hunt.
“I think it’s somehow appropriate that I’m following on from Max again. He was someone I respected and admired and it’s a privilege to follow on from him.”
On returning to broadcasting after a nine year hiatus Hunt, who recently turned sixty, said “I expect I’ll be a bit rough around the edges, but over a period of six race meetings I should be able to scrape it off okay.”
Commended for his ability to find the sentimental heart of any racing story – even a lowly maiden stakes – and relate it with a wonderful turn of words, Hunt is not likely to be happy with being “rusty” for very long.
Hunt enjoyed a successful media career, commencing with 6IX in 1976, before stints at Channel 9, 6PR, ABC, TAB Radio and Sky Channel. In 1982, at just 24, he broadcast the World Cup of Trotting at The Meadowlands, New Jersey, for an Australia-wide audience.
In addition, Hunt won a plethora of state and national awards for his radio, television and video documentaries. He also hosted sports shows for most of his career – was and is a voice-over professional – and is recent author of two well-received books.
Hunt will broadcast Broome’s Opening Season Meeting on Saturday 3rd June 2017.