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The closest I think we get nowadays is Mark Chapman.
Trip,
I’d switch the Tv off if Ginger popped his head on it, think you mean Matt….
I enjoyed Big Mac on tv
for me the racing is what I tune in for but Mac would make me laugh every time.
Very sad seeing him recently looking a shadow of his former self
Rip John and thank you for the laughs.Gaelic Warrior Gold Cup Winner 2026
LOL
Thanks, but think I’d switch everyone off, Jac; not just Nathan.
Value Is EverythingHa ha…Just realised my mistake and thought I’d slip in here quietly and Edit it, but should have known Nathan and Ginger would be on the case…must have had you at the back of my mind Mark whilst saying farewell to JM but can’t think why…you don’t happen to have a crate of cigars and a camel hair coat tucked away in your attic do you?
JacThings turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out...Like many who are careful to cultivate a public persona at odds with their private persona he eventually became a parody of the alter-ego he chose
When first crashing on to the goggler I found his antics and wardrobe faintly amusing and entertaining but the act soon became tiresome
That he was a knowledgeable lover of the sport and a one-time decent hack is unquestionable: let that be his legacy
During my days of regularly treading the turf I saw him ‘off camera’ from time to time and as others have alluded to he seemed a very different man: head down, eyes averted and a sullen rather sad demeanour
A one-off RIP
John McCririck was the life ‘n’ soul of Channel 4 Racing in the 80’s IMO. Never a dull moment whenever he was on the screen. Loved how he told off punters who were making faces behind him and how he relished a good steamer in the market. Won’t forget the moment he lost his hat in blustery weather.
A one-off character who I feel, in an alternate world, would’ve made a great Doctor Who.
Im not sure why people that are shy and quiet are also assumed to be lonely and morose. Some people Are happy enough to be that way.
There are plenty of “life and soul of the party” types with a permenant stupid grin on their faces whohave blown their brains out
I could do without some of the repeated hollering when he was in caricature mode but liked a lot of what he did.
Very amusing eccentric appearance in his early days on telly in strange but highly effective clothing.I enjoyed his berating of the C4 team for failing to come up with paddock negatives – ‘they can’t all look well’, annoying Jimbo asking him if a ‘wretched creature’ in his ownership was going to win, and a never forgotten rendition of ‘The Blaydon Races’ performed by a decent singer at Newcastle with Mac mouthing the words and gesticulating wildly standing in front of him. Good interaction with Barry Dennis too.
Wish I could say to him ‘It’s great to have YOU back with us.’I didn’t see today’s Opening D’oh… sorry Show, did they bother to provide some sort of farewell to Big Mac? I would have liked to have seen Barry Dennis interviewed after their numerous appearances together in the betting ring on Channel 4
They did Phil. A nice montage piece scripted and narrated by Brough Scott and a talk, hosted by Oli Bell, with Tanya Stevenson and Matt Chapman who shared anecdotes.
https://www.itv.com/hub/itv-racing-the-opening-show/2a4875a0162
Gaelic Warrior Gold Cup Winner 2026
I met him just once, walking the course before the Gold Cup in 1986. We had a long and pleasant conversation out in the country; perhaps he was more relaxed than in a crowd. He did become a caricature of himself, perhaps trying to maintain his profile, and I don’t give him any points for being ‘politically incorrect’ which is another term for being uninformed, intolerant and inarticulate.
I never had the pleasure of meeting ‘Big Mac’but I thought
he was a breath of fresh air,
when he burst on to our screens.Matt Chapman has tried to copy
Big Mac, but he couldn’t lace
John’s boots.RIP John.
It was with great sadness I heard of big Mac’s death. Whatever your view of him he was as recognisable to the racing public as Frankie and that was incredible achievement given his many foibles. He was incredibly well researched and I loved it when he was on the Sunday forum with Matt Chapman,Pete tbomas and Aussie Jim McGrath. So entertaining and four guys who loved each others company.
It was obvious it was all a front but apart from his other forgettable TV appearances I always enjoyed watching him especially his love of good manners and Newcastle utd. The morning line was enriched when he was on. Racing is far,far worse for his passing. I don’t generally bother about celebs passing away but only Tom petty and big Mac have left we a wee bit teary. R.i.p. big guy. You will be remembered with fondness by many many people. You give the bookies hell in heaven.
Jac
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