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DAVID CARR |
Weblog: What do you mean the Wi-Fi doesn't work? The life of a Racing Post reporter
Wolverhampton's no drag for Hunt
Glad to report that all the Olympic glory has not changed him. Not that anyone thought it would.
Still the same down-to-earth, salt-of-the-earth guy. Getting the coffees in for everyone. Joining in the press room banter.
We had one of the heroes of 'London 2012' in our midst - three gold medals to his credit - yet you'd not have guessed it from his demeanour.
Not a hint of showing off and it was us who brought up the thrilling commentaries for Radio 5 Live on the three 'Team GB' equestrian triumphs which made John Hunt one of the broadcasting hits of the fortnight. Much the biggest star at Wolverhampton on a Monday night.
He'd had a busy old time, working every day in London bar a shift covering Frankel at Goodwood and then going right to the wire, behind the mic for Samantha Murray's games-closing silver medal in the modern pentathlon just last night.
Yet there was no thought of ducking his commentary duties on tonight's rather less high-profile all-weather fare. Nor the slightest clue in his voice that this was not the most important action he'd called all year.
Nice touch in the opening 2m handicap for inexperienced apprentices. As they approached the winning-post for the first time, he stressed twice that there was a circuit to go - lest any of the riders in a race restricted to those who'd ridden no more than ten winners was tempted do a Mirco Demuro and ride a finish a lap early.
He was also able to lend advice and reassurance to new face Gareth Topham, who is being introduced gradually to the commentary roster and did two races tonight - and did them with notable aplomb.
Less successful night for race-reader Colin Roberts, whose journey to Wolverhampton was halted by an accident on the M6 at 2.30pm and who did not move an inch until just before 8pm.
Thank heavens for super-sub Walter Glynn, leaping off the bench in North Yorkshire at a moment's notice - it really has been quite a month for the nation's unsung army unsung of willing volunteers.
Though success for Pippy in Wayne Rooney's colours was an ominous sign that those who operate for money (and lots of it) rather than love are about to muscle their way back into the news agenda.
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