Former BBC Grand National commentator John Hanmer dies aged 82

John Hanmer, a stalwart of the BBC's racing coverage best known for his integral work on the Grand National, died on Sunday aged 82.

Hanmer was a highly respected figure in racing for his long-serving role in BBC television's Grand National commentary team from 1972 to 2003 and also as Sir Peter O'Sullevan's BBC commentary assistant from 1971 to 1997.

In his most public role he commentated for the BBC on the Grand National alongside the likes of O'Sullevan, Julian Wilson and Jim McGrath, taking over as the runners crossed the Melling Road.

Hanmer principally acted for the BBC as a 'spotter' for O'Sullevan and later McGrath, but he would take over the microphone after the live races had been shown on Grandstand, most memorably when calling the last three races of Frankie Dettori's Magnificent Seven at Ascot in 1996.

He also fulfilled the role of paddock commentator for the BBC alongside Jimmy Lindley.

McGrath said: "It's very sad – he was a great friend and colleague. He was a fixture in the press box for well over 45 years and a great operator who was hugely popular.

"I spoke to him last week and he was in good form, and although his health hasn't been great he was still passionate about racing and betting. Racing was his life right to the very end.

"I think he called 32 Grand Nationals, including Red Rum's win in 1973, and he was terrific.

"His finest moment on the BBC Grand Nationals was Red Marauder in 2001 when the power went down at Becher's just before the race. Tony O'Hehir, the Becher's commentator, was muted because of the power blackout, so John had to do his own legs and also Tony's, so essentially he called the bulk of the race, which was a heroic performance.

"It was a very difficult commentary to pull off and he did it in terrific style, he was unflustered and remained calm in what was one of the most eventful Nationals ever run."

Hanmer started working in racing in 1960 as a racereader for Raceform. As well as a commentator, he was also a jockey's agent, principally for Steve Cauthen and Cash Asmussen. He was honoured with the President's Award at last year's HWPA Awards.

Commentator Ian Bartlett, who worked with Hanmer for a decade at the BBC, said: "He was a tremendously polite man with a fantastic sense of humour. I had lunch with him two weeks ago and his memory for things going back to the '50s was fantastic and he was still razor sharp.

"I only worked with him a few times when I was commentator and he was a racereader, but he instinctively knew what you had missed. He knew exactly what was going on and was solid – he didn't make a fuss about it but was very good."

Hanmer, a keen follower of cricket who travelled to Australia several times to watch the Ashes, had many friends in racing, including former trainers Barry Hills and David Gandolfo.

He lived in East Challow near Wantage for more than 30 years and is survived by his wife Gillie.