Old Elizabethan John McCririck dies aged 79

Friday 05 July 2019

Horse racing pundit and reality TV favourite "Big Mac" John McCririck, who was known for his unique appearance and outspoken character, has passed away.

The larger-than-life character attended Elizabeth College between 1947 and 1952 before continuing his studies at Victoria College in Jersey.

McCririck – known as “Big Mac” to many in the racing world – was for many years the face of British horse racing. He later made an appearance in Celebrity Big Brother where he became known to a wider audience. 

McCririck was a familiar face on Channel 4’s coverage of the sport for many years, with his career on television spanning four decades.

RIP John McCririck. He spoke his mind, loved to ruffle feathers, was as funny as he was outrageous, and had such a deep knowledge of & tremendous passion for horse-racing. A great British character. pic.twitter.com/BPt4cUSQQU

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 5, 2019

Married to Jenny, who he called “the Booby”, McCririck thrived at the heart of what he called the “betting jungle”.

In 1981, he joined ITV Sport’s horse racing coverage, which then moved to Channel 4, where he would spend more than 25 years at his familiar spot in the betting ring.

We are saddened to hear of the passing of John McCririck. Throughout a lengthy & colourful career one thing was always clear–his enduring passion & love for the sport of horseracing. He was a recognisable figure & resonated with the wider public. Our condolences go to his family. pic.twitter.com/7H2hKuBCv1

— BHA Press Office (@BHAPressOffice) July 5, 2019

He first took part in Celebrity Big Brother in 2005 along with Caprice Bourret, Germaine Greer, Jackie Stallone, Bez and Kenzie.

He caused controversy with his views on women but was back to take part in Ultimate Big Brother, featuring housemates from previous series such as Brian Dowling, Nikki Grahame, Chantelle Houghton, Preston, Makosi Musambasi, Coolio and Ulrika Jonsson.

Very sad to hear the news of John McCririck's passing – one of the most recognisable faces from the world of horse racing and a great at promoting our sport. Our thoughts are with Jenny

— AP McCoy (@AP_McCoy) July 5, 2019

McCririck also appeared on Celebrity Wife Swap – where former politician Edwina Currie tried to get him to cook and clean.

He acrimoniously left Channel 4 Racing in 2013, subsequently losing an age discrimination case made against the station and production company IMG Media Limited.

A statement released by his family said: “Award-winning journalist, broadcaster and for many years the face of British horse racing, John McCririck, passed away at a London hospital on Friday July 5 aged 79.”

"He was a legend and one of the few people who transcended racing" – Jim McGrath remembers former colleague John McCririck who has sadly passed away… pic.twitter.com/1BfSbZUT1S

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) July 5, 2019

McCririck “became a household name as part of the Channel 4 Racing team when they took over coverage of the sport in 1984,” the family said.

“His flamboyant broadcasting style from the heart of the betting ring proved extremely popular with racing fans and beyond.

“John continued to work for Channel 4 Racing until 2013, as well as satellite channel At The Races.

“In this time he transcended the world of racing, appearing on numerous mainstream TV news and light entertainment programmes including Question Time, The Weakest Link, Celebrity Wife Swap and Celebrity Big Brother in 2005 and 2010.

John McCririck outside the Big Brother house in 2005 (Andy Butterton/PA)

“Despite suffering ill health in recent months, John continued to make several TV and radio appearances.

“He is survived by Jenny, his wife of 48 years. His funeral will be private.”

The British Horseracing Authority paid tribute to McCririck, tweeting: “Throughout a lengthy and colourful career, one thing was always clear – his enduring passion and love for the sport of horse racing.

“He was a recognisable figure and resonated with the wider public. Our condolences go to his family.”

John McCririck and wife Jenny at Cheltenham (Mike Egerton/PA)

Record-breaking former jockey Tony McCoy tweeted: “Very sad to hear the news of John McCririck’s passing – one of the most recognisable faces from the world of horse racing and a great at promoting our sport.”