Episode 242: John Hunt

This is an absorbing chat with one of Perth’s all time favourite media personalities, and a man who gave trots commentary a new twist.

John Hunt stepped away from the microphone in 2008 after twenty years as Sky and Gloucester Park’s resident commentator during which time he put some zing into the job.

John was only 51 and right at the top of his game, but he had further horizons to explore.

He reviews his first two books- one about a champion WA race mare, the other about his life in the media.

John takes us back to his teen years when he won 200 junior tennis titles, and looked set for a career in the pro ranks. He talks of the injury that decimated his dream. He pays tribute to his sister Lesley, who was once ranked number 6 in the world.

He looks back on his favourite harness horses and the people behind them.

John talks of the satisfaction he derived from producing video documentaries on the careers of his favourite horses.

Few people would be aware that John Hunt played a key role in the formative months of Alan Bond’s new acquisition Skychannel. John was the original host on the fledgling satellite station which began life in a back room at Channel 9’s Perth studios.

He looks back on twenty years at the iconic Gloucester Park track, and the many cliches he introduced behind the microphone. Some are quoted to this day.

Hunty answers the questions with all the colour and flair that made him a household name during his distinguished career.