ITV Racing presenter fights tears as tribute paid to John Hunt after death of wife and two daughters

ITV Racing has paid an emotional tribute to John Hunt after three members of his family were killed in a crossbow attack. The BBC Radio 5 Live racing commentator's wife Carol Hunt, 61, and two of their daughters, Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were found dead on Tuesday (July 9) in a house in a quiet cul-de-sac in Bushey, Hertfordshire.

A manhunt was launched for the suspect Kyle Clifford, 26, and he remains in hospital after he was found with injuries in Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield, north London, Hertfordshire Police said.

On Wednesday (July 10), before England beat the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final in Dortmund, Radio 5 Live commentator Mark Chapman appeared to break down on air.

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He said: "Good evening from Germany, we have a football match to bring you tonight and we will do, and we will start our build-up to it shortly. But this has been a heartbreaking day. John Hunt is our colleague and our friend, not just to the current 5 Live Sport team, but all of those who’ve worked here with him over the past 20 years.

"And also to all of you who have enjoyed his superb commentaries. So on behalf of everybody connected to 5 Live Sport, our love and thoughts and support our with John and his family."

As Newmarket's 2024 July festival began on Thursday (July 11), which aired live on ITV, John's racing colleagues spoke fondly of him and his family. Ahead of the coverage, Ed Chamberlin appeared live from the race course as he said: "Welcome everyone to Newmarket where we should be excited about the July Festival.

"But, as I'm sure you've seen in the news, leading commentator John Hunt's wife and two daughters were killed in their own home. We will have four live races for you with John and his family very much in our thoughts."

Later, when the programme began, Ed kicked off by saying: "Normally, right now, we'd be looking forward to one of the highlights of the racing summer, the July Festival here at Newmarket. However, this is a sad and sombre racecourse after the devastating, heartbreaking news yesterday that leading commentator John Hunt's wife and two daughters had been killed in their own home.

"An incomprehensible tragedy for the kindest and most positive of men. Joh;'s popularity goes far beyond just racing." Ed was then joined by Richard Hoiles who spoke movingly about John and his family following the "heinous, pointless and terrible act".

He said: "I've known John for 30 years, we started out together. During that time he's 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.

"Like because of his easygoing personality, good sense of humour, his excellent company. And even if you spend a few moments in his company, the odds are that the talk will turn to family..."

Richard said while he doesn't know much about many of the families he works with, he said: "We all felt we knew Carol and the girls, possibly far better than we actually did". He emotionally spoke about how he'd show pictures of and talk about his daughters at any given opportunity, including at the work Christmas gathering.

"I know I hugged my kids tighter last night on leaving for here, knowing that simple pleasure has been cruelly snatched away from mine and many in the press room's greatest friend. Words just seem hollow and inadequate in such circumstances.

He added: "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," before a minute silence was held at the racecourse with "John very much in our thoughts as we remember his beloved Carol, Louise and Hannah," Ed added.