Holt disappointed to miss out as Hoiles lands top job

Simon Holt, the voice of Channel 4 Racing for 17 years, was yesterday coming to terms with the news he is not part of ITV's plans for its racing coverage next year as it emerged Richard Hoiles is poised to become the network's lead commentator.

The Racing Post understands Hoiles has been approached to take on one of the few jobs still vacant on the ITV Racing team, which will take over exclusive terrestrial coverage of the sport next year. ITV's, first choice John Hunt turned down the post to stay with BBC Radio 5 Live.

Hoiles is number two behind Holt with Channel 4 Racing and, while ITV is believed to want to appoint a second commentator, the vastly experienced Holt, who has called the finish to nearly every big race in Britain since 2000, has been overlooked.